Libation’s new round

Popular Fitzroy bar Libation has entered a new era in 2011 as former owner Zoe Davis passes the baton into new hands.

The venue has been a popular queer drinking hole for three years, especially its regular Sunday afternoon/ evening event, It’s a Girl Thing, targeted at lesbian and bisexual women and their friends.

New owner Brendan Frankcombe spoke to the Star Observer about his plans for the venue.

“For the moment we’re definitely keeping Sundays. We’ve not decided on a particular direction we want to take the venue just yet. I think we’ll wait to see how things go and let the bar dictate that,” he said.

For the time being, Frankcombe hasn’t flagged any major changes to the building other that a few aesthetic alterations. However, more themed evenings will be added to the weekly calendar, and further down the track patrons are likely to see a new space added to the property.

“Mostly we’ll just be making a few cosmetic changes like fixing some of the seating, taking out a few of the lounges. We’re also looking to add a trivia night, and new DJs on Saturday; a few things that have been missing previously,” he said.

“Other than that, we’re looking to put a new bar upstairs, which I’d estimate will be in about May.”

Frankcombe and his partner (who is co-owner) have been patrons of the Brunswick St venue for some time, which added to the appeal when the pair decided to purchase.

“We live around the corner and [my partner] John often DJs there on a Sunday, so I guess you can say it’s been our local for some time,” he said.

info: Libation is at 302 Brunswick St, Fitzroy.
Visit www.libation.com.au