Aussie video games bar launches

Two weekends ago saw Australia’s first video games pub, Mana Bar, open up shop in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley. The Mana Bar is a cocktail bar with a special twist: It features multiple TVs hooked up with next-gen consoles to play and serves a variety of beers and video game-themed cocktails.

The opening of the bar two weekends ago saw scores of people line up outside the bar, some even dressed in cosplay to mark the occasion. Bar owner and financier Guy “Yug” Blomberg told GameSpot AU that he was pleased with the response he’d been getting so far and that in the first weekend, not a single glass had been broken.

Previous events at the Mana Bar have seen gaming-themed trivia nights hosted by Yahtzee, Guitar Hero competitions, and a one-day showing of the Aussie-developed Raskulls Xbox Live Arcade game. For upcoming events at the Mana Bar, be sure to keep an eye on the events page.

Mario Kart has been a popular party game for years now, so it's a natural fit.

Bar tender Grant shows off his mixing skills behind the bar.

In keeping with the gaming theme, the cocktail list has been printed on the inside of game cases.

People kicking back and enjoying a few quiet drinks in between gaming sessions.