Woolly Mammoth Official Opening Review

With an endless stream of warbling, excited folks, the Woolly Mammoth held its official opening on Friday 26th September.

With three separate rooms across two levels (but all joined together like a massive ant farm via two stairways on either side of the building) the Woolly offers the Valley punter a glut of choices.

Click here for more photos from the opening.

From the type of craft beer on tap to guzzle (for taste and price, you’d be mad not to sample the in-house ale, Mammoth), to the bountiful and impressive food menu (more on that later) to the old-school, ‘70s-styled, log cabin feel of the dining area/ back bar, it’s easy to get lost (in a good way, of course) at the Woolly. And that’s just the bottom level.

Image © Lachlan Douglas

Also on hand for the opening was an actual mammoth — well, a larger-than-life model (Manny from ‘Ice Age’ would’ve been impressed — who had plenty of company throughout, with a ‘name the mammoth’ competition inspiring plenty of creative selfies.

Image © Lachlan Douglas

On the main stage were local funksters Cheap Fakes, who had a dancefloor heaving to their brassy, soulful tones — imagine walking along the Atlantic City boardwalk with Nucky Thompson and you can picture the scene.

Cheap Fakes Image © Lachlan Douglas

Before heading upstairs, it was time for a food run. But rather than bolting for a dirty kebab or having Maccas regret, at the Woolly you can order from an amazing kitchen, choc-full of delicious meals - shout-out to head chef Pesto. I settled for the City Dog: an amazing hot dog with a crunchy, yet soft bun that had enough mustard without drowning Flipper. While the chicken drumsticks were more tender than Beyonce’s thighs. Any Roman emperor would give the food service two thumbs up.

Image © Lachlan Douglas

Next was a trip upstairs — with the retractable roof open, the Garden Stage had a gentle breeze wafting through, keeping the mixture of well-groomed hipsters, stunning beauties and eager urban types cool, while the old-school house tuneage had heads nodding. Oh, and did I mention the bocce courts... while not in use tonight, I can see plenty of future Sunday sessions partaking in a game or two. Somebody has to be the Woolly’s bocce captain.

Finally, it was time to sample the Mane Stage — the old Coniston Lane room has changed little, but that cranking, world-class sound system is still there, and the envy no doubt of many other venues. Tonight, The Potbelleez were on hand to give it a right, royal spanking, the duo bringing plenty of crunchy basslines, slammin’ house and tribal beats backed by a troupe of fire twirlers/ eaters.

Image © Lachlan Douglas

And that dear reader, is a night-out at the Woolly Mammoth — it is a wonderful addition to the Valley entertainment offering, perfect for that first/ blind date, catching up with mates, after-work drinks, dinner before the show etc. etc.. Don’t sleep on her Brisbane... this is a game-changer.

Click here for socials from the opening.

Upcoming shows at the Woolly Mammoth include: Mark Pritchard (4th Oct), Nick Thayer (18th Oct), Yolanda Be Cool & DCup (8th Nov) and Joy Kay (22nd Nov).