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 […]
Diary: Brown Brothers Hidden Vineyard
The Secret Garden was one of my favourite childhood storybooks. Now Brown Brothers have brought a more grown up version to life with their pop-up Hidden Vineyard. I entered the space – at the utterly transformed Establishment Studios – to whispers from fellow guests of “it’s magical” and “genius”. Essentially […]
How to buy (& drink) Prosecco
Prosecco is to the Italians what champagne is to the French (sans the pricetag). At a recent masterclass hosted by Brown Brothers, I learnt a thing or two about the sparkling elixir; most notably that you don’t have to be a master of wine at all to enjoy it. Here’s a few […]
My Fair Lady
My Fair Lady at SocieTEA A sunny daytime tipple; in the vein of a mimosa or a bellini. It doesn’t taste very potent yet, surrounded by the historic opulence of Werribee Mansion and plied with petit fours at high tea, who really minds? T2 French Earl Grey tea, Bombay Sapphire […]
Win a copy of Campari’s 2013 calender starring Penelope Cruz
Starring in the annual Campari calender for 2013 is Penelope Cruz. Adorned in siren red, the actress explores themes of superstition (walking under ladders, black cats, opening umbrellas indoors) all while sipping the bitter orange elixir and looking damn fine as she does so. Thanks to Campari I have a […]
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 […]
Diary: Taste of Melbourne
I had my first ever Taste of Melbourne experience last night. Shameful I know since it’s been running for years, but a fitting time to visit as the global “restaurant festival” is rejuvenated by moving to a new alfresco location. And there’s plenty of liquid sustenance for barflys among the […]
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 […]
200 years worth of champagne
What is a celebration without champagne? Especially when said celebration is all about champagne! Founded in 1812 when Eugene Laurent and Mathilde Emilie Perrier fell in love and married, French house Laurent Perrier celebrates 200 years of wine-making this year. For a lucky few select Australian devotees this meant a chance to sip a […]
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 […]