The Rabbit Hole has been created as a part of a major refurbishment to an existing retail centre in the heart of Mackay city. The creation of the 2000m2 ‘super venue’ consists of three individual bars within the one sector. The close proximity of the bars – also including Movidas and Dirty Martinis has provided a one stop night entertainment venue for revellers, with three very different bar options to choose from.

Arguably one of the stand-out venues in this precinct, The Rabbit Hole is discovered only through venturing down a secluded alleyway and is of a style more often found in Melbourne but lacking in Mackay. Upon entering the venue the tone is set for a raw and grungy atmosphere with a central bar and separate lounge areas consisting of rustic style fabrics and industrial/ factory-feel features. Roughly rendered walls and exposed air conditioning ducting add to this quality. All elements have been pared back including the polished concrete floors and exposed concrete ceilings. Leading bar-goers through the space is a central curved bulkhead – a remnant left over from the venues previous retail days and which serves as an element linking all areas of the setting together. By covering the bulkhead in chalkboard paint, it has provided a blank canvas for bar staff and clients to create a non-permanent display of random thoughts, drawings and other ramblings. This can be easily changed to reflect the current season or to promote particular beers or drinks specials.

The centrally located bar has a dominating presence in the space and is made from recycled timber planks, creating an earthy, rough-edged feel. The bar is highlighted by a wire mesh and steel tube bulkhead which hovers above. The wire mesh of the bulkhead whilst adding to the industrial feel of the space plays against the raw timber finish of the bar, and the use of colour-changing LED spotlights directed onto the bulkhead gives it a more dynamic quality. Another illuminated focal point is the ice well which glows as a central feature behind the bar space.

Banquette seating has been incorporated around the perimeter of the rooms in a selection of grungy looking fabrics and vinyls, providing patrons with a selection of different areas to mingle. Vibrant street art

graphics proudly created by local Mackay artists adorn the walls behind the booth seats. This along with an eclectic composition of posters embellishing the walls adds a powerful and lively feeling to the space.

The lighting has been designed with the creation of an ambient and moody atmosphere in mind. The LED spotlights on the bar and bulkhead along with the concealed colour-changing strip lighting behind all booth seats are the main players in this. Clusters of 5 different shaped wire pendants with exposed bulbs are dotted throughout the venue and further enhance the raw quality of the space. Furniture selections have also been reflective of this tone, with metal bar stools, recycled timber dry bar tops and tub chairs with vintage-looking fabrics and vinyls all selected for their hard wearing quality and industrial appearance.

A venue of this style has been amiss in Mackay, and with its grungy atmosphere and raw edge style, the Rabbit Hole certainly sets itself apart from local competitors.

JVG Sound Lighting and Visual fitted professional audio and lighting to meet this venues requirement. 2 x J Audio SV10i 2-way speakers and J Audio SV18S single 18” sub woofers were installed in the dance floor area with another 2 x J Audio active 3-way JP18AB sub woofers using 4 x SV10i mid high cabinets each side of the main bar. 8 x J Audio SV206i 2-way wide dispersion speakers were used for further sound ‘room fill’.

4 x J Lighting JL120 LED Spots were fitted over the stage while J Lighting RGB Tape was fitted around the bar and liquor shelves to produce a ‘backlit’ effect. Waterproof RGB Tape was also placed around the cool room and is displayed through a glass panel. J Lighting RGB Tape installation enables complete control of colour mixing and light dimming in the venue.

Lighting and sound variations are controlled by Bose and Crestron Control equipment which can be accessed via the Ezi Control 22” Touch Screens which are in all three venues.