Cheers to Melbourne’s Best Bars
Julia Gralberg
As most Melburnians will tell you, Sydney may have the beaches but Melbourne has, arguably, the best bars.
As a matter of fact, the Victorian capital with its world-class drinking scene has some of the best bars on the entire continent.
With a buzzing nightlife and no lock-out laws, unlike Sydney, city folks can browse through hidden bars, laneway bars, rock bars, cheap bars, chilled bars and fancy bars.
Planning a Melbourne weekend anytime soon? Book Laneways By Ovolo Hotel and head to these top-class drinking dens for delicious cocktails, premium craft-beers and exceptional wines.
The George on Collins
Located in one of the city’s most iconic buildings, the George building, this bar was formerly known as The Long Room. After a $4 million transformation, the result is a sleek and stylish venue popular as the after-work destination among the city’s business crowd.
Open until 3am on weekends guests can enjoy an Australian-inspired wine list by sommelier Ainslie Lubbock or try the cocktails created by Sebastian Costello.
162/168 Collins Street, Melbourne
www.thegeorgeoncollins.com.au/drinking/
The Everleigh
This multiple award-winning bar’s decor is a nod to the golden era with Victorian furniture, dark wood and delicate glasses filled with cocktails to match.
Focusing on classic and original cocktails the bartenders are also offering custom-made cocktails based on a description of what you like. It’s almost like having a cocktail named after you!
Also being placed on Drinks International’s ‘World’s 50 Best Bars’ list, this is definitely a bar worth checking out when in town.
Level 1, 150–156 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
Eau De Vie
This low-lit elegant club-like bar hidden down Malthouse Lane is known for its cocktails and whiskey selections which are among the country’s best.
Watch the bartenders create cocktails using liquid nitrogen just before serving up the impressive and intriguing creations which are sometimes served in unusual glasses such a giant lady’s shoe.
Every Tuesday guests can enjoy a whiskey and cheese night and the hidden whiskey room behind the bookcase adds to the excitement.
1 Malthouse Ln, Melbourne
http://eaudevie.com.au/melbourne/
Gin Palace, Melbourne
Gin is still very much in fashion and the Gin Palace lets you travel in time to get a taste of 19th-century London.
This swanky Melbourne basement gin bar serves over 18 gins and over a dozen martinis mixed in delicious cocktails served by knowledgeable bartenders.
For the brave try a punch of ‘Mother’s ruin’ in the form of Four Pillars’ navy strength gin served in a goblet (suppose this one comes with a warning).
10 Russell Pl, Melbourne
Boilermaker House
Escape the cold and grab a seat at this rustic 14-seat blues bar and let your senses be seduced by an impressive selection of alcoholic beverages.
Known as a craft-beer and whiskey place, whiskey drinkers can savour over 850 whiskies whilst beer drinkers can enjoy twelve rotating taps of beers and 50 brews on bottle leaving guests with options that are close to limitless.
If you fancy something different try the award-winning cleaning vodka martini Equinox Cocktail made of Absolut Elyx, fino sherry, chocolate and violet.
The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting with cosy booths, dim lighting and old books on display. This is the perfect place to spend an afternoon and should you start to feel peckish you can aways order the cheese and meat platter to keep you going.
209-211 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
http://boilermakerhouse.com.au
Julia Gralberg is a freelance travel writer, editor of Hotel & Resort Guide, Lux Nomade and founder of Boutique Communications Consultancy, Lux Collective. When she isn’t busy jumping in hotel beds and eating her way through breakfast buffets you’ll find her on her yoga mat.