Sure, everyone knows someone called Barry. But this Barry is extra special. This Barry is a bar. Check out the famous 'Barry' posters and photos. Soak up the retro tunes.
Set on one of Melbourne's oldest streets, A Bar Called Barry is one of the more relaxed places to enjoy a cocktail or two in the Collingwood area. The owners have resisted the urge to update the (mainly red) decor, resulting in an intimate and comfortable feel, which attracts a slightly more alternative crowd.
So what's with the name? Well everything on the walls relates in some way to a famous Barry. And with this in mind, there can be a lot of fun to be had trying to figure out which Barry is in a particular photo or poster. Is that Barry White or Manilow? Or are you just having a Crocker?
During the week, this is an ideal place for a quiet drink and a bit of low-key Barry spotting, however the weekend is a completely different story. The back of the venue is opened up, revealing a huge dance area complete with podiums and video screens.
'Queer and Alternative' Thursday nights attract beautiful gay boys and straight girls alike. Friday nights cater to the retro fiend in all of us, with DJs playing the biggest hits from the '70s, '80s and '90s. Saturdays are just as much of a party, but with a slightly fresher music selection. The $4 basic spirits and 5am licence could see you dancing away to the latest pop anthems until dawn.
Daniel Forsyth
