Fusing sophistication with rustic charm, this St Kilda haunt is a favourite among locals and wanderers alike.
Put simply, Pelican seems to be having an identity crisis. Restaurant? Tapas bar? Regular bar? With so many monikers, this groovester in St Kilda seems to have more identities than Gretel Killeen's had bad outfits; though Pelican does manage to eke out its alter egos with a little more sophistication than its quasi-famous counterpart.
Providing views that fuse the shabby with the sublime, Pelican oozes style and provides a range of options for those vacillating between communal fun or bar stool-cool. The breezy verandah is the obvious choice when tanned bodies and oversized sunnies are the accessories du jour, and comes replete with portholes, stained glass windows and sunken booths that manage to eschew the typical uniform of dowdy couches in subterranean locations.
Luring the peripatetic as easily as it attracts the locals, patrons can be seen roistering amongst the timber slates that are 50 percent 'ahoy matey!' and 50 percent rustic charm. The cocktail list is a highlight's guide of new and old favourites and is executed with the kind of vivacity expected of this vibrant neighbourhood. A generous wine list is also provided, and those in the mood to supplement their libations are well-served via a tapas menu that caters for one and all.
It's hard to put a foot wrong in this seaside escape with its laid-back atmosphere, consistently fab food and great service, and with the locals adding a certain charm of their own, it's not hard to see why Pelican's been going strong for years.
Penny Wedesweiler
