I waited 3 months and I'd do it again: The Listening Lounge, Brisbane

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Experience highlights

The details to look out for in Zen’s experience.

• Whipped feta with fig, caramelised pecans, and orange oil served with potato chips
• Sound of Violet cocktail featuring butterfly pea and yuzu with edible flowers
• Sound of Espresso cocktail made with dirty brew and caramelised banana
• Tandoori cauliflower and hand-cut hash browns
• Charcuterie plates with cured meats, cheeses, cornichons, and cocktail onions

At a glance: the experience

• Sound of Bloom cocktail (fig gin, elderflower, soda)
• Sound of Espresso cocktail (dirty brew, caramelised banana)
• Sound of Violet cocktail (butterfly pea, yuzu)
• Sound of Sun cocktail (rhubarb tequila, grapefruit soda)
• Cheese and charcuterie platters
• Whipped feta with fig and caramelised pecans
• Tandoori cauliflower
• Hand cut hash browns
• Antipasto platter

Setting the Mood with Vinyl and Speakeasy Touches

The experience starts as soon as you draw back the entrance curtain to step into the private lounge. The design blends dark hotel glamour with curious speakeasy accents: an illuminated blue 'W' emblem near the entry, round mirror ceilings, and a melting disco ball resting on a glass shelf. Spotlit in red, a crocodile skull replica sits quietly in the corner, adding a quirky contrast to the sleek decor.

At the center of the room stands an illuminated shelving unit filled with vinyl records. We flipped through the sleeves to set our own soundtrack for the two-hour session, giving the gathering a personal rhythm. Gold reflective tables and soft seating draw everyone together around the music, making the venue feel like a private living room tuned for a celebration.

The Red Button and Custom Cocktails

Cocktails at The Listening Lounge are designed as shared moments. Resting on our main table is a red glowing button labelled 'PRESS FOR MARTINI', flanked by Belvedere Vodka branding. Pressing it brings martini service straight to the table, giving drink orders a sense of playful ceremony. Candlelight, cocktail shakers, and golden pineapple picks scatter across the marble tabletops.

The cocktail menu features $25 drinks themed around sound and botanicals. We ordered the Sound of Violet, where butterfly pea and yuzu pour into a martini glass topped with edible flower petals. The Sound of Bloom mixes fig gin, elderflower, and soda, while the Sound of Sun pairs rhubarb tequila with grapefruit soda. For a richer finish, the Sound of Espresso brings together dirty espresso brew and caramelised banana for a sweet, dark twist.

Shared Platters and Gluten-Free Bites

Food arrives on small marble tables, built for easy grazing while the music plays. A standout is the whipped feta dip ($24) topped with fig, caramelised pecans, and a drop of basil-infused orange oil, scooped up with crispy potato chips. We also shared bowls of roasted tandoori cauliflower ($16) and golden hand-cut hash browns ($9), set down beside custom hotel coasters.

For charcuterie lovers, individual plates ($18 each) come loaded with cured meats, cheeses, cornichons, and cocktail onions, alongside an antipasto platter ($14). Convenience is built into the menu: every dish except the antipasto platter is completely gluten-free, taking the guesswork out of catering for mixed diets.

How to Book and Plan Your Session

Because The Listening Lounge is strictly for private bookings, getting a spot requires planning. Operating Thursday to Sunday from 4:00pm to midnight, sessions run for two hours for groups between 6 and 18 people. Slots fill up quickly, which is why our group booked nearly three months in advance.

Hosts must pre-order all food at least 72 hours before arriving, and all spending goes onto one bill per group. A minimum spend applies depending on your session time. If you are driving into Brisbane City, Wilson Parking operates underneath the hotel, with discounted rates available if you pre-book online.