A new bar to suit every taste in Melbourne
Polly - 401 Brunswick St, Fitzroy. www.pollybar.com.au
Better known for its lush velvet decor and baroque lounges, this popular cocktail lounge on the edgy Brunswick Street has been revamped and now has a quaint outdoor garden called The Peacock Room which is beautifully decorated with verdant plants, water fountains and park benches.There will eventually be an alfresco ceiling painting and lighting features, making this space a rather enchanting addition to this popular bar.
Collins Quater - 86a Collins St, Melbourne. www.collinsquarter.com
Quench your thirst at this snazzy new watering-hole – the latest venture by Vernon Chalker of Madame Brussel's and Gin Palace fame. It has four defined ‘quarters’- the Blind Alley Bar which has a secluded entry from Pink Alley; Collin's Pub which offers a pub style menu; the central Magnolia Courtyard with a retractable glass roof; and Ra, the slick and sexy upstairs cocktail bar set to open later this month. Sitting snugly in the 'Paris end of Collins Street' this refined drinking space offers a bar to suit every taste. And with the spacious courtyard, it's set to become an ideal spring and summer time venue in they city.
Penny Blue - Driver Lane, 318 Lt Bourke St, Melbourne. Ph 9639 3020
An offshoot of the vault-like basement wine bar M.O.O (Money Order Office), Penny Blue offers the same class and subtle opulence but with a more loungey feel. The wrought iron gates brimming with wine bottles remain a feature here, but the focus is more on specialty beers, with a punchy yet considerably shorter wine list than its big-sister venue. Enjoy fine food and graze from the M.O.O. bar menu while soaking up the gentleman's club-like ambience. A more casual, laid-back M.O.O. experience without scrimping on standards or style!
RAB – 33 Spencer St, Melbourne. www.grandhotelsofitel.com.au
Named after the building's original purpose as a Railway Administrative Building, The Grand Hotel Melbourne, managed by Sofitel, has just launched its new bar and restaurant, RAB. RAB offers a selection of exquisite pastries and chocolates, a French-inspired menu, eclectic champagnes, cognacs and wines. RAB is open daily from breakfast until late.
Paris Cat - 6 Goldie Place, Melbourne. Ph 03 9642 4711. www.pariscat.com.au
As intimate as a Parisian night, Paris Cat is one of the city’s finest jazz bars. Laid back and with a seductive line up featuring some of Melbourne’s best musicians, the laneway basement space is reminiscent of 1930s France and offers up a musical feast for jazz lovers. During this month’s Fringe Festival, the venue, located in Goldie Place just off Little Bourke Street, will play host to original performances by Henry Manetta and the Trip, and Adam Rudegeair’s One Hat Band with Anna Gilkison. Order a shiraz in a stemless wine glass and be inspired by the antique surrounds and art-adorned walls of this intimate hideaway.