UNDER THE BAR - NETHERWORLD

Interview and intro by Carolina Pasini | Photos by Samantha Wooller

Locally brewed craft beers, live music, retro arcade machines, and over 100 board games, Netherworld it's a playground for adults. Based in Meanjin/Brisbane, this is the place where creativity and inclusivity meet under the glow of vintage arcade machines and ambient lighting.

At Netherworld, the traditional dark and brooding game pit is replaced by a space that is vibrant with creeping plants and lit to welcome a diverse crowd of all genders. This thoughtfully designed venue splits into three distinct areas, each offering its own charm and appeal. Just beyond the bar is the Hellmouth Dine, a diner that's delightfully vegan by default - can’t go past the Mushu Morsels. 

We caught up with Eloise to learn more about its commitment to its community, food offering and flying fish.

CP | What do you like most about working at Netherworld?

E | How much the business embraces individuality. Never have I felt less like a cog in a machine, all of us are valued for our unique personalities, interests and strengths. This extends to our customers as well! We try to cater to as many people’s interests as we can and create a safe, non-judgemental space for everyone, staff and customers alike, to hang out. The love the Brisbane community has for Netherworld is a testament to how special it is as a venue.

CP | What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen or heard while working?

E | Once I worked in a venue along the river and had a customer come up and say “Hey, I’m really sorry but… a fish… just landed on our table?” A few of us went to investigate and sure enough a whole fish had seemingly just fallen from the sky.

CP | What dish would you pair with a Normie at your venue?

E | Definitely the Burgatory - Netherworld’s welcoming ethos is extended to our food and drink options. We have a full vegan menu (people can choose to swap for meat and/or dairy) plus a range of non-alc options, so there actually isn’t a more iconic pairing than our signature burger with a non-alc crafty!

CP | Describe Netherworld Arcade in three words.

E | Grown Up Timezone.

CP | What’s your favourite drinking song?

E | Bonnie Tyler - Total Eclipse of the Heart. Turn around!

📍 Netherworld Arcade is located at 186 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley - Meanjin/Brisbane

OPENING HOURS:
Mon Closed
Tue-Thu 12pm - 11pm
Fri & Sat 12pm - 1am
Sun 12pm - 11pm

IG: @netherworldarcade
www.netherworldarcade.com/

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED

  • From the Schoolyard to the Mosh Pit

    From the Schoolyard to the Mosh Pit

    Our first big US adventure felt like stepping into a wild punk love-in. Oakland showed up, and we showed up with cold non-alcs and open hearts.

  • How Ninajirachi Built An Online Community

    How Ninajirachi Built An Online Community

    Ninajirachi’s debut album I Love My Computer is a heartfelt ode to growing up online, building community, and turning digital connection into real-world impact.

  • Not A Real Sport: What Bike Polo Taught Me About Showing Up

    From DIY beginnings to the world stage, our very own Clint explores how bike polo became a lifelong lesson in community, resilience and showing up (on and off the court).

Read more
Previous Next