You could almost fly a paper plane from Ferdydurke’s balcony over to bar/restaurant Belleville. Accessed via Globe Alley, this expansive space fills the entire first floor of the former Globe Hotel, which sits close to the corner of Swanston and Little Bourke. A heritage-listed site, its period windows illuminate the distressed plaster walls and look out over plane trees and the Chinatown arch. In the middle of the room a raised dais sits just waiting to be occupied by DJs and bands.
Snacks are Asian-inspired (kim chi quesadilla with bulgogi beef, or mushroom san choy bow), but the main event is the chicken. The free range, organic chooks are saltwater brined overnight and roasted to order in the Brazilian rotisserie (one of only four of its kind in Australia) while being continuously glazed with miso butter. The result was described by MC Slave of band Fat Freddy’s Drop as "a religious experience". The rotisserie is firing from 11am to 1am, seven days a week – something to keep in mind after a long karaoke session.
The drinks list boasts a substantial wine selection with accompanying terroir map and encourages patrons to play cocktail bingo. Wherever possible, the spirits and liquors lining the two curved bars are sourced locally. Beans are courtesy of Wide Open Road.
