Margaritas, ceviche, sunshine and waterfront views: just add a giant neon fish to that equation and you've got yourself summer perfection.
Supafish (opening on December 1) is a 38-metre floating bar by the pair behind Southbank's island bar, Ponyfish Island. Andrew Mackinnon and Grant Smillie clearly have an affiliation for drinks on the water, winning a tender from Parks Victoria to create a new pop-up venue on the Yarra River near Ponyfish Island.
Mackinnon and Smillie have overseen every single part of the operation – from the all-day Mexican grazing menu (created in collaboration with the team behind Hotel Jesus and Mamasita) to the music, which Smillie is curating himself. Drinks-wise, Margaritas and Espresso Martinis will be flowing, as will a healthy kombucha cocktail.
Of course, the real hero is the 300-capacity pop-up bar itself, which will take the shape of a giant, glowing fish. Mackinnon's ambition was to "really push the envelope on what might be achievable on a pop-up". Melbourne event design company Laneway Group will build the fish out of recycled materials and galvanised steel. Don't be put off by its green, glowing eyes; step under the ribs of the fish and you'll be in what will most likely be one of the most photogenic spots of the summer.
Supafish will be open daily from 11am to 1am from December 1 to February 26. Entry is via Southbank Boulevard, between Ponyfish Island and Sandridge Bridge.