WAT Den Mooloolaba, the Sunshine Coast’s dedicated whiskey and tequila bar, is set to host its annual Pride Bar Takeover tomorrow – an industry-focused celebration of Queer bartending talent and community connection.
The initiative, which is designed to bridge the gap between Mooloolaba and Brisbane and create visibility for LGBTQIA+ voices in the hospitality industry, continues to grow as a platform for inclusivity, education and celebration within Australia’s bar community.
Now in its second year, the event highlights the skills of four standout Queer bartenders from Queensland, and for the first time, Victoria. Each bartender will present an original cocktail inspired by a colour of the rainbow, developed in partnership with event sponsor Joseph Catron and its extensive liqueur range.
This year, the bartenders are Leah Dunnigan (Savile Row, Brisbane), Steph Louise Jacobs (Antico, Brisbane), Marnie Bugeja (Black Pearl, Melbourne), Harry Ling (ex-WAT Den) and Bri Reilly (WAT Den).
In addition to the cocktail showcase, the event features two performances by a Canberra-based drag queen, a best-dressed prize, and fundraising through raffle sales and drink proceeds – all going toward Pride Foundation Australia. Last year’s event raised more than $1,000 for charity.
While queer-focused hospitality events remain few and far between on the Sunshine Coast, WAT Den’s Pride Bar Takeover creates a safe space that encourages greater education and acceptance of sexuality and gender in the hospitality scene.
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