Brookman's Billiard Saloon

William Brookman was the proprietor of billiard rooms in Brisbane Street, halfway along the block between Bell and East Streets.This business was sometimes referred to as a billiard saloon or billiard parlour. 

Brookman applied to the Licensing Court in 1913 for a license for two billiard tables in Thomson's Buildings in Brisbane Street. He was successful and the next year he was granted a license for three tables and in 1921 Brookman was licensed for 4 billiard tables. It was not until 1931 that the Court licensed Brookman for 5 tables. The annual Licensing Court was held in the Court House before the Police Magistrate and police licensing inspector. 

Losing no time after being granted a billiard table license, Brookman's was opened by 11 June 1913. It was located in Peter Thomson's buildings which comprised about 3 shops at ground level with offices upstairs. Brookman's was probably upstairs with A. W. Bugler (hairdresser & tobacconist) at street level. Thomson's buildings had been constructed in the 19th century on the site of Pettigrew's old stores. More recently, Brookman's site had been the location of Cribb & Foote's confectionery department. In 1913 when it opened, Brookman's was located opposite The Bank of North Queensland and, The Palais Royal Hotel in Brisbane Street. Jack Black's oyster bar was also across the road. In 1918, Gordon's White Arcade was located next door.

Brookman's Billiard Saloon held billiards and snooker competitions and contributed to a lively local billiards scene. They sponsored exhibitions by champions. In 1936 world billiards champion Walter Lindrum gave one such demonstration of his skills. 

William Brookman died in 1940. His son George, who was a talented billiards player himself,  continued the business until 1950. In April of that year 3 billiard tables and other equipment were auctioned by Jackson & Meyers.