Queenies launches an entirely gluten-free menu – and a jazzy Supper Club for New Year’s Eve

Posted on 2 November, 2023

It’s all happening at Queenies in Kingston, with a new owner, new fit-out and a new menu.

But this isn’t a glow-up for the sake of change – far from it. Instead, new owner Pam Howarth is making changes that keep Queenies’ loyal customer base front and centre.

The new menu, carefully curated by Head Chef Jayeon Shin, for example, is now entirely gluten-free, giving many diners a freedom they might have never experienced, while also keeping many of Queenies’ signature dishes exactly as they were (yes, you’ll be able to order Bangkok Chicken and Eggplant Chips just as before) and will be updated seasonally.

This mindful approach to menus continues behind the bar with a host of new cocktails crafted by General Manager Jey Chung, and Supervisor Sam Burn, including a menu of vegan-friendly sours cocktails that use aquafaba in place of egg white, just in time for summer. They join Queenies’ entirely Canberra Region Wine menu, with plenty of locally made spirits behind the bar too.

“It’s so important for us to champion local vineyards and spirit makers,” says Pam.

An update to the fit out will also be introduced over the coming months, but fans of Queenies’ old-world aesthetic needn’t panic; in fact, it’s this charm that Pam is leaning into.

Not only will the show-stopping art-deco bar designed by Kelly Ross, crafted by Double Griffin Forge and hand-painted by Grainger Gallery’s own Kacy Grainger be staying put, but it will soon be joined by a small stage where Queenies’ reputation as one of the southside’s live jazz venues can grow, with Pam excited to welcome even more artists and perhaps even a signature jazz festival to the venue in the future.

Speaking of live music, for fans of jazz, Queenies is the place to be on 31 December with a very special New Year’s Eve Supper Club featuring Chris Johnstone, Angela Lount and Leo Joseph, and enough delicious food and cocktails to send 2023 off in style.

Wanting to create an elevated offering for New Year’s celebrations for both locals and all Canberra jazz enthusiasts, tickets will include a three-course meal and a glass of sparkling on arrival. Pam says it will be a “lovely evening that honours our beautiful venue and celebrates local artists” with vegetarian and vegan options available and all dietary requirements catered for.

Naturally, Jey and his team of flare bartenders will be providing delicious libations and maybe some entertainment of their own on the evening, with plenty of Queenies’ signature classic and adventurous cocktails on offer. After all, don’t we all need something to toast with at midnight?

Even better, the Supper Club promises to be smooth on both your ears and wallet, with tickets just $95 per person for a three-course meal, a glass of sparkling on arrival and an evening of entertainment.

Pam says she “wants Queenies to be the venue of choice for locals and visitors looking for beautiful gluten-free food, wine, cocktails and live Jazz music without the high-end price tag”.

Photography: Supplied