Discover BY.Artisans, West End’s New Distillery and Bar

Distillery and bar BY.Artisans has opened its doors at Jane Street in West End, offering a unique fusion of craft, community, and culinary delight in the area. 


Read: Meet West End’s Newest French Bistro (By Day, It’s Your Favourite Bakery)


Officially launched on November 28, this new venue is set to become a must-visit destination for those who appreciate artisanal spirits, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, and immersive experiences.  

Photo credit: BY.Artisans/Instagram

BY.Artisans isn’t just a place to grab a drink—it’s a hub of creativity and craftsmanship. From morning coffee to late-night cocktails, the venue offers a curated menu of bites and beverages that draw on Italian and Mediterranean influences. Whether relaxing in their café with locally inspired fare or enjoying a signature cocktail at the bar, visitors are invited to savour the artistry behind every creation.  

Photo credit: BY.Artisans/Instagram

Signature Gin

At the core of the venue is its craft distillery, where artisanal spirits take centre stage. Their signature gin, The West Ender, combines botanicals with Australian flora, delivering a sweet yet subtly spiced flavour profile that embodies the essence of the locale.  

Photo credit: BY.Artisans/Instagram

not only hails from the Sunshine State capital but also incorporates an unexpected local ingredient: old eucalyptus leaves sourced from Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

Photo credit: BY.Artisans/Instagram

Before you wonder about Brisbane’s beloved koalas missing out on their leafy treats, rest assured. The distillery uses leaves that go uneaten by the herbivorous marsupials each day, repurposing this natural surplus to craft their one-of-a-kind gin. The result is a smooth and aromatic blend that pays homage to its origins while offering a refreshing twist.

Beyond the Glass  

distillery and bar
Photo credit: BY.Artisans/Instagram

BY.Artisans is more than a distillery and bar—it’s an experience. In 2025, they will elevate their offerings with a series of hands-on workshops designed to immerse participants in the art and science of spirit production. These workshops will cover topics like spirit blending, botanical distillation, and creative uses for byproducts.  

“These workshops will provide an educational platform for individuals interested in understanding the intricate processes involved in creating high-quality spirits, as well as the innovative use of byproducts,” the company shared on their website.  

Meet the Visionary Behind BY.Artisans 

distillery and bar
Photo credit: BY.Artisans/Instagram

Co-founder and Master Distiller Alexander Bell is the driving force behind BY.Artisans. A chemical engineer with a passion for innovation and sustainability, Bell has designed a custom still apparatus that embodies environmentally conscious practices and precision craftsmanship. His dedication to pushing boundaries ensures that every creation from the distillery is both innovative and exceptional.  

Plan Your Visit  

Whether you’re drawn by expertly crafted drinks, the opportunity to learn through immersive workshops, or the chance to shop for handmade treasures, BY.Artisans offers something for everyone.  

Opening hours:  

Monday to Wednesday: By appointment

Thursday to Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.


Read: The West End Electric Powers Up with Global Circus Sensation Strut & Fret


Visit BY.Artisans at 99 Jane Street, West End, and immerse yourself in a world where craft and creativity come together.  

Published 2-December-2024

Serial Entrepreneur’s West End Distillery Plunges into Liquidation

After leaving the army, Jon Atherton made a lucrative business selling memberships to a porn site. Then he successfully launched an iPhone app that showcased “wobbling body parts” to interested viewers. Today it seems that luck has not smiled on Mr Atherton for a third time as his latest venture, the Brisbane Distillery Company, folds.



After a recent court case that forced the business out of its premises due to unpaid rent, the Brisbane Distillery Company has entered into liquidation, with a hefty unsettled debt to creditors of over $1.3 million. 

Daniel Moore, from BCR Advisory, has taken on the role of liquidator for the beleaguered distillery company. 

Documents filed with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) by Mr Moore exposed debts of over $420,000 owed to the Australian Taxation Office.

Adding to the mounting problems were the outstanding amounts owed to the landlord and suppliers.

Jon Atherton founded the Brisbane Distillery Company in 2019 after leaving the army and enjoying success selling memberships to porn websites.

However, trouble soon arose when a court ordered the company to vacate its premises in May because Mr Atherton failed to pay the rent. The landlord claimed he had forcefully reclaimed the property after the locks were changed.

Mr Atherton staunchly denied any involvement in breaking into the building, insisting that he did nothing wrong. He explained that the past few years had been tough for the business due to the Covid-19 pandemic and a devastating flood that caused significant damage and losses.

In an effort to recoup some money, the company decided to sell its special double-decker bus in April. Painted navy blue and equipped with a full bar, the bus could accommodate up to 30 people, offering a unique drinking experience.

Before delving into the world of distilleries, Mr Atherton was known for selling memberships to porn websites through Spotwire Pty Ltd in the 1990s, boasting an impressive customer base of 92,983 individuals, each billed at $US21 ($AU30.8).



A serial entrepreneur, his ventures then extended beyond the adult entertainment industry into app development, where he gained notoriety with the controversial iPhone app “Wobble.” 

This app allowed users to manipulate images, specifically wobbling body parts in their iPhone camera rolls. Its popularity soared, topping Japan’s App charts in 2009 with over 20,000 downloads in ten days.

However, this success was not without its share of controversy, as Apple requested the removal of references to “Boobs” and “Booty,” a request Mr Atherton firmly disputed.

Published 24-July-2023