Buried in one of Melbourne's side streets, this secret bar has a strong sense of history. Check out the 19th-century crane, which was once used to haul coffee cargo.
Despite its location in the heart of the city, this little bar is one of Melbourne's best-kept secrets - mainly because it's so hard to find. Visitors wanting to stop in for a drink will need to duck down an alleyway, then take a short climb up a staircase. But the hunt is worth the effort, yielding a renovated loft with plenty of old-world charm.
Now a heritage-listed property, the space has served many functions over its 120-year history and the evidence can still be seen around the room. Two of the main features of the bar are the trapdoor and the rope-and-pulley crane, which both date back to the bar's time as a coffee-importing business. The exposed beams create a rustic warehouse feel, but there's certainly nothing shabby about this bar. Closer examination reveals modern benches, luxury leather armchairs and crystal chandeliers.
The cocktail list includes timeless classics and signature creations. Favourites include the Bitch Slap, a blend of Herradura tequila, vanilla and peach liqueur, organe, lime and chilli charged with ginger beer; and the Caramelo Kolada, a tropical concoction featuring rum, lemon juice, pineapple juice, caramel sugar syrup and bitters, served in a wine glass.
Saturday nights have a cocktail-party vibe with DJs spinning smooth, nu-jazz sounds.
Daniel Forsyth
