A Bentley in the window, cocktails served in lava lamps, and furniture you can actually take home, Fortitude Valley’s new nightclub, Pawn & Co., is not just a place to dance but a space where nearly everything is for sale.
A New Kind of Nightlife Experience
Pawn & Co. landed in Brisbane in mid-2024, instantly drawing crowds with its “party-meets-pawn-shop” twist. Tucked along Ann Street in Fortitude Valley, the two-storey venue lets guests sip cocktails, dance to DJs, and even buy the décor, from vintage gramophones to high-end cars.
It’s open Thursday to Sunday, starting with theatrical drinks from 6 p.m. and shifting into nightclub mode from 9 p.m. on select nights. Over 250 items have already been sold through its ever-changing displays. Originally from Melbourne, the concept mixes nightlife, retail and a bit of curiosity into one unforgettable experience.
Everything Is for Sale — Literally
Pawn & Co. may look like a vintage pawn shop, but here, almost everything, including the DJ booth and wall art, has a price tag. Its ever-changing collection, sourced from local pawnbrokers and collectors, keeps the space fresh and unpredictable.
You’ll find $10 trinkets sitting alongside a Bentley worth over $300,000. According to staff, the biggest sellers so far include quirky toys, costume jewellery and cheeky adult items.
Cocktails That Double as Theatre
Pawn & Co.’s cocktails aren’t just served, they’re staged, arriving in locked vaults, framed prints, or boxes filled with rose petals. Each drink is inspired by a signature scent, developed through the venue’s in-house perfumery.
This scent-to-cocktail connection adds a sensory layer that sets the experience apart. Guests can also take part in private sessions where they create their own fragrance, later turned into a custom cocktail. It’s a playful blend of mixology and storytelling that feels both personal and unexpected.
Upstairs: The Vault of Curiosities
Upstairs, Pawn & Co. gets cheekier with its “Vault of Curiosities”, an adults-only lounge featuring risqué novelty items, all available to buy.
Think vibrators, harnesses, and other unexpected finds you wouldn’t normally spot in a nightclub. The vibe is edgy but lighthearted, with staff emphasising humour and guest comfort.
Even the bathrooms play along, hidden behind mirrored glass with a two-way mirror overlooking the bar. It’s all part of the venue’s mission to surprise, delight, and never take itself too seriously.
Published 04-August-2025
