Nokturnl is the brainchild of best friends Ross Drennan and Drew Flanagan. From meeting on the cricket pitch to starting their first business while in university, they challenge the well-worn adage that you should never go into business with friends or family. Ultimately it was the duo’s love of a good party that conceived their string of successful festivals which then led to a bricks and mortar foundation in their ever-expanding portfolio of hospitality ventures. What’s next for Nokturnl? Who knows! But one thing is for certain, it’s bound to be a good time!
Where It All Began
Timeline
Stories – 2024
In collaboration with the State Government, Nokturnl rose to the challenge to revitalise Yagan Square and the CBD. A mammoth, multi-million-dollar project which will see the development of Perth’s largest multi-venue hospitality precinct to date. Stories showcases an array of diverse offerings across five spacious storeys… nine bars, three restaurants, a speakeasy and rooftop bar, private dining space and the city’s biggest beer garden – promising an unforgettable experience! An exciting time for Nokturnl, with the team expected to grow from a little over 300 staff to 600+.
The Station – 2023
Upon acquiring the historic South Perth Police Station on Mends St, South Perth, Nokturnl envisioned its transformation into The Station. Since its opening in December 2023, both The Station and its European-inspired restaurant, Ludo, nestled within the depths of the historic building, have become South Perth’s newest go-to spot for those seeking a unique hangout experience.
The Beaufort – 2022
On the lookout for another underutilised location, the old Empire site provided the perfect opportunity. Opening in March 2022, The Beaufort, its modern-Asian restaurant Lotus, and hidden speakeasy Cypher have seen crowds flock back to Beaufort Street.
Tonic + Ginger Awards – 2021/22
It’s been a big few years for the team at Tonic & Ginger. Following on from being awarded Best Restaurant at the 2021 AHA WA Awards for Excellence, the team backed it up in a big way being awarded the title of Australia’s Best Restaurant at the 2022 National Awards For Excellence held in Tasmania. All this alongside taking out the coveted Chair of Judges Award at the Gold Plate Awards and Best Asian Restaurant at the Restaurant & Catering Institute Awards.
AHA Awards – 2020
What a night it was and how proud we are of this team! The Old Synagogue was awarded Best New Venue as well as WA’s Best Venue. A truly humbling experience and also a great boost for the team who had been through so much opening the venue and then coping through COVID.
The Old Synagogue – 2018
In 2018, Nokturnl stumbled upon the derelict historic buildings of the Fremantle Synagogue and adjoining Beers Building. Immediately, Drew and Ross had ideas flowing on how the space could be used as a hospitality venue. Scrapping its previous plans for a hotel, they went about restoring the heritage buildings and have created an award-winning hospitality precinct that has contributed to a major lift in confidence across Fremantle’s entertainment district.
Oktoberfest Newcastle – 2019
With OITG in the Domain, Sydney selling out every year, it was decided that a second regional Oktoberfest show would be added to the calendar. Oktoberfest Newcastle was born in 2019 and it proved to be wunderbar. After a three-year hiatus, the event has sold out again in 2022 with The Station, Newcastle turning into a mini Bavaria for the day.
Oktoberfest in the Gardens – 2011
With humble beginings in the Supreme Court Gardens, Perth back in 2011, OITG has now grown into one of Australia’s largest and longest running festivals. Now held in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.
NYE on the Foreshore – 2010
In 2010 Perth focused its end of year celebrations on NYD. However, an idea to bring this forward to NYE kicked off Nokturnl’s first annual event, NYE on the Foreshore. Held on the Matilda Bay foreshore, this event sold out in record time and what a night it was. Future years saw the venue changed and capacity increased to over 4,000. The event continued on, ever popular for many years up until it was decided to retire the event during the pandemic.
Functions + Events
With a wide variety of unique venues to suit every occasion, whether you’re planning a Corporate Function, Birthday, Intimate Celebrations, or Private Events, we’ve got the perfect space to make your event unforgettable.
