The only distillery currently based in the Melbourne CBD. They’re making genever and gin inspired by the notorious historical characters of Melbourne’s laneways, inside a tiny (really tiny), heritage terrace cottage. Immersed in its surrounds, Little Lon is named after its laneway home and the labels even illustrate the city location. Ask for a history lesson by the glass.
17 Casselden Place, Melbourne CBD
Trinket adds a little glitter to the city with plush furnishings and lush tipples. Sip tequila Old Fashioneds with sweetly-scented foam in an interior that is awash with emerald velvet, gold accents and fancy tiles. Upstairs is the place to ‘be seen but we prefer the cosy downstairs den for whatever debauchery may strike.
87 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD
Farewell to the Dutchess. The Duke has seriously revamped their rooftop into an all-weather friendly locale. It’s still warm and dry up there when you need it, but now airy enough to suit Melbourne’s alfresco tippling tastes (plus the architectural views of The Forum theatre is a bonus). Try the lasagne croquettes – trust me.
146 Flinders Street, Melbourne CBD
Not to be confused with the Everleigh’s Elk Room, this intimate, Italian bar – along with its woodland animals and Campari-spiked cocktails – can be found hidden behind Spinetoli. Definitely ask for the fried bocconcini to go with your drink an pretend you are sipping Prosecco in Milano.
25 Toorak Road, South Yarra
This laid back beer garden is a (faux) grassy knoll in which to Sunday Session over tap beer…or boozy hot chocolates should the weather call for it. It feels just like your cooler bestie’s backyard with brickwork, trailing vines, strings of fair lights and a musically-inclined mural.
743 Nicholson Street, Carlton North
Also try: Bomba‘s (Melbourne) new look rooftop bar, designed by Ola Architecture Studio and now aiming to be zero waste. / Westwood Coffee & Wine (West Melbourne) is a new wine bar for the West from the Underwood team. / A cheerful South American joint serving tropical rum, cachaca and tequila drinks; Onda (Richmond). / Getting cosy, Eskimo-style, inside one of the Wharf Hotel’s pop-up igloos.
Got a hot sip tip for September? Whisper it to us: sarah@drinkmelbourne.com.au
