Ola! The Acland St Cantina has officially launched itself into the St Kilda scene with a lick of lime and seasalt (and delicious cheesy empanadas). Upon entering a bright diner-style front room greets you in popping hues of red, white and neon. Wondering what’s down the stairs? It’s the old Prince Wine Room, still a… Read on
Bars
Reviews and profiles of the best bars in Melbourne
Now Open: Pawn & Co.
When first introducing their new bar, I wonder how many times the crew of Pawn & Co. have been forced to spell out the name to avoid raised brows. P-A-W-N. There are however a few similarities between this bar and the adult industry with the homonymous name; Pawn & Co. hints at mild debauchery and there… Read on
The Tasting Table
Having never visited Melbourne before, I’m guessing it took a good dose (ie. a big wineglass full) of Dutch courage for UK sommelier Jack Mullard to move to Melbourne on little more than a whim. After living the high life working for London’s Corney and Barrow (who advised and supplied the likes of Snoop Dogg, Lily Allen… Read on
Now Open: Du Nord
If one is an anomaly and two’s a coincidence will a third Nordic space soon make a Melbourne bar trend? Following closely on the footsteps of Denmark House opening Bar Dansk comes Du Nord. Swede Thomas Kiltorp is the founder of the new bar which I find less glitzy and more serene than his previous offerings; Saint, Red Hummingbird,… Read on
Now Open: Captain Baxter
Atop Republica at the St Kilda Sea Baths, sits a new seaside bar; Captain Baxter. The bar’s mascot was once a real life naval captain (and Melbourne’ first postmaster), now transformed into a kind of giant squid wrestling, marine superhero as spray-painted on the venue’s walls. The space itself has the kind of low-key, crowd-pleasing design… Read on
Late Nights at Senorita’s
It’s the way I always imagined dining at Senoritas. Closer to the witching hour, a few bites and a few more cocktails rather than a full-on meal. The Mexican eatery has just launched a new late night menu of Antojitos (translation; “little whim”) alongside a new cocktail list. Late night hospitality suits the intimate space; with its… Read on
Sake Bar
Why hello Hamer Hall. You are looking oh-so-tempting in your new outfit. I envision myself strolling along your Yarra-side promenade many times in search of a bite and a drink once summer truly hits Melbourne. For a quick snack Trocadero may have the best chips in town, but for cocktails my pick is Sake. I… Read on
Now Open: Bar Dansk
*Once the domain of “members-only” Denmark House has long since thrown open its doors to all-comers. Enticing me inside even further is a recent addition to their Nordic restaurant; Bar Dansk. On offer is a little wine, the mandatory schnapps, Danish beer and the kind of salty snacks that get washed down oh-so-well with the… Read on
Mon Bijou
Don’t be fooled by the rather “weathered” street level entrance. Once you alight from the elevator, what a pleasure it is sip a passionfruit-scented cocktail upon the airy, white-washed rooftop of Mon Bijou. Officially launching as a special events space this week; the lower level is more akin to Mon Bijou’s bejewelled Parisian moniker. It’s… Read on
Senoritas Mezcaleria
As one who believes guacamole was invented by benevolent gods, I’ve been keenly awaiting the opening of Senoritas. I first heard of the Ricardo Amare’s concept of opening a taqueria and mezcaleria – something of a ladies’ parlour – when he ran his temporary gallery boutique in Armadale. Now as the head of Mexican luxury… Read on