The best gay-friendly small businesses in Queensland and other states

The best gay-friendly small businesses in Queensland and other states

November is Shop Small month, a nationwide movement founded by American Express that brings together support from the business community, governments and consumers to support small businesses — many of which are found in areas with a high proportion of LGBTI residents.

The Star Observer has selected small businesses in our major cities as a starting point to help you get in the spirit of the campaign.  The list below pertains to Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart and Canberra, but it’s only just scraping the surface of what these cities have to offer. Let us know of any other small businesses in those cities that deserve the LGBTI community’s support.

To find a full list of small businesses to support in your area, visit www.shopsmallaustralia.com

QUEENSLAND

French Flowers

Queen Adelaide Building, Burnett Lane

90-112 Queen St, Brisbane

Ph: (07) 3210 0944

www.frenchflowers.com.au

Owners of one of Brisbane’s premier and most-awarded florists, Will Morgan and Bart Hassam have been inspired by flowers their entire lives after their love affair began thanks to the help of their grandmothers.

The multi award winning florists — both nationally and internationally — draw upon over 20 years experience of floral design and have been regarded as some of the best in the business.

The duo have been the recipients of nation’s top florist accolades, with Bart winning the Interflora Australian Florist of the Year Awards four times — most recently in 2013 — and winning Asia’s largest design competition, the Intercontinental Cup in 2011.

With a background in teaching, Will has also achieved global recognition after taking home the Interflora Florist of the Year (Under 25s) four times as well, along with being named the Word Skills Australian National Winner in 2003.

Priding itself on complete customer satisfaction, French Flowers takes its design from French-inspired styles where perfume and colour bloom.

Along with elegant hand-made gifts, old fashioned-service and charm defines this stylish and sophisticated business offering some of Brisbane’s most beautiful flowers.

Noosa Chocolate Factory

(Shop 1) 156 Adelaide St, Brisbane

(Shop 2) 144 Adelaide St, Brisbane

www.noosachocolatefactory.com.au

The Family Nightclub – Home of Fluffy

8 McLachlan St, Fortitude Valley

katarzyna.com.au/venues/family/

Q1 Hotel and Resort

Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise

www.q1.com.au

TASMANIA

The Squires Bounty

55 Salamanca Pl, Hobart

Ph: (03) 6224 3667

www.thesquiresbounty.com.au

From the creators behind one of Australia’s most-loved boutique breweries comes The Squire’s Bounty, a stylish and “crafty” beer hall in the heart of Hobart’s historical precinct, Salamanca.

With the extensive family of James Squire artisan beers on tap, the Squire’s Bounty will definitely have a beer for any tastes and provide a great dining menu to match.

An array of specifically-designed food to perfectly accompany your beverage is available from 12pm-9pm and later on Fridays and Saturdays.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Luxe Bar

446 Beaufort St, Highgate

Ph: (08) 9228 9680

www.luxebar.com

Located in the heart of Perth’s LGBTI neighbourhoods, Luxe Bar is a stylish and sophisticated venue that cannot be missed. Home to more internationally-awarded and renowned cocktail creators and creations than those on the east coast, Luxe Bar attracts a groovy crowd.

There are new world and classic cocktails, spectacular tunes and the funkiest service, and award-winning cocktail artists will tempt you with their decadent menu.

Luxe was voted one of the best bars in the country by Bartender Magazine in 2004, and the venue quickly earned the title of Best Australian Bar Team in the same year.

Jus Burgers

1 Rokeby Rd, Subiaco

Ph: (08) 9381 1895

www.jusburgers.com.au

With a mission statement to deliver the best burger bar in Western Australia with “integrity and honesty” and to “take on those buggers over East”, Jus Burgers have certainly set themselves an ambitious goal.

Crediting all their local suppliers with the secret to their success, Jus Burgers source all their ingredients from the best produce around to bring customers a memorable and delicious experience.

With years of culinary experience and knowledge gained from kitchens around the world, owner Justin Bell has dedicated his life to bringing Perth the best burgers the country has to offer.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Mars Bar

120 Gouger St, Adelaide

Ph: (08) 8231 9630

www.themarsbar.com.au

Going on 30 years strong, Adelaide’s iconic and solely-dedicated LGBTI club is located on one of the city’s premier restaurant strips.

Not complete without regular drag shows, Mars Bar also plays the latest and best music so you can dance the night away.

Mars Bar celebrates LGBTI pride in all this in its colour and glory, it remains one of Adelaide’s oldest and most iconic clubs, and has maintained a strong relationship with the community over the years.

Always responsible for drawing a big crowd and with regular events and special guests, this is one Adelaide venue you can’t miss.

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

A.Baker

Unit 2, 15 Edinburgh Ave, Canberra

Ph: (02) 6287 6150

www.abaker.com.au

Located in Canberra’s mixed-use art, design and entertainment precinct NewActon, this refined eatery offers the best in locally-sourced produce and a menu far beyond artisan bread.

A. Baker offers a multi-level, open eating plan and dishes up some of the best bread-making crafts, coffee-making, cooking and bartending that the nation’s capital has to offer.

Featuring design almost as bold as the flavour of its food, A. Baker offers an intimate and special dining experience for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Which small businesses in Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra or Hobart do you recommend? Tell us with a comment below.

For a full listing of small businesses you can support, visit www.shopsmallaustralia.com

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4 responses to “The best gay-friendly small businesses in Queensland and other states”

  1. Never heard of the business listed for Canberra, let alone it being a gay friendly business. Canberra has lots of gay friendly businesses yet they did not make it on this list.

  2. Not so sure they aren’t just after LGBTI $$$$$, and vote on the side of conservative politics with more concern about their pockets and less about LGBTI rights/equality !
    Wonder what the criteria was to make this list?
    Come on, let’s not be so superficial!