These days dance-fiends have a good choice of Valley venues. But for stylish consistency, this club keeps dragging them back.
Monastery is a hot secret in the Fortitude Valley. It's a stylish little club with a loyal clientele but, nestled in its unassuming building just outside of the action, you could easily overlook it. If you do, you'll be missing some of Brisbane's hottest DJs and one of the hippest nights out to be found in this golden metropolis.
Monastery offers an observation deck with great views of the city. Inside, there are plush lounges and a slick curved bar that lights up the room with backlit stained-glass windows. The main room is spacious and combines great effects lighting with an olde-worlde, European feel.
The drinks on offer are of the fast and furious variety; bottled beers, spirits and simple cocktails are served up with deft speed, so you don't have to linger overlong at the bar before charging back out to the dance floor.
Monastery usually attracts a young crowd that's just a bit hipper than many of its rival clubs - not surprising given that this venue is serious about its music. The club has more than a dozen resident DJs, who play an eclectic mix of sounds from uplifting house to breakbeat and bongos. Pick the right night to visit, as the club can sway between overcrowded and empty, depending on the hour and night.
Justin Pappas