The chunk of the city west of Swanston Street offers all the drinking action you could possibly need, from down-and-dirty beers in a former motorcycle workshop to lofty liquor at Lui Bar. If you're up to the challenge, see if you can find Melbourne's best hidden bars, or go for some high-altitude fun at these rooftop bars.
Walking down the stairs at Golden Monkey is like walking into an artist's impression of a 1920s opium den. The room is attractive, with low-slung tables and cushy lounges that are perfect for larger groups, Chinese lanterns hanging from the ceiling and intricate wood partitioning around the space. It's tray service for the most part here, though there are a few spots at the bar.
In the showing off game, Lui Bar is your ace in the hole. It’s the sky-scraping drinks parlour with 55th floor panoramic views that’s attached to Vue De Monde and carrying all the wine and sharp service weight of the fine diner restaurant. Forget rooftops and secret back alley booze holes. Impressiveness is a Collins Street caper.
Located in a laneway off a laneway, Penny Blue is worth the search for those of you who love beer. Make yourself at home and sample some of the 150 craft beers and ciders on the menu. They've got three British-style hand pumps too. And if beer isn’t really your thing there’s a wine and cocktail list as well.
Workshop, at the corner of Elizabeth and A’Beckett streets, is up a heavily graffitied staircase. The motorcycle-workshop-turned-bar has retained a good deal of its industrial character, but it also boasts a lovely semi-enclosed deck filled with houseplants and sunshine. We say ‘semi-enclosed’ because while it has plenty of windows, it’s lacking a roof, which lends the best part of Workshop a nicely ruinous feel.
When you put this address into Google Maps, don't be surprised if you struggle to find the entryway. Valhalla is located down an out-of-sight set of stairs with just a small sign above indicating you're in the right place. The menu changes seasonally, but you can expect cocktails based around Australian spirits and creative uses of florals and herbs. The 'Lunda', made from Amontillado Sherry, apple, riberry shrub and maple, tastes just like autumn, or try the fresh and herbaceous 'Bestla' made with Brookies Cumquat Gin, My Brother Honey Liqueur, mint and acidified honey.
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