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A swish basement bar for cocktails and snacks just opened underneath Flinders Street Station

Inspired by the station's former ladies' club, Miss Gunn's is Melbourne's relaxing new post-transit pit stop

Lauren Dinse
Written by
Lauren Dinse
Food & Drink Writer
A table and chairs nestled by a bluestone wall at Miss Gunn's.
Photograph: Supplied / Miss Gunn's
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It's easy to overlook the wonder that is Flinders Street Station. When passing through its busy Myki gates at rush hour or using the clock at the top of the stairs as an easy-to-find meeting point, who's thinking about history? But deep behind its walls, throughout its sprawling ballroom and long-abandoned vaults, there's a fascinating trove of spaces and stories to unearth here.

Miss Gunn's, a brand new bar that's just opened down in the station's rediscovered basement, pays homage to one such story – that of Ada May Gunn (nicknamed 'Dolly' or 'Miss Gunn'). Ada opened a place called the Loungers' Club in 1909, popular with busy working girls and women of the time. It was designed to be a sort of ladies' social club, a serene haven where you could flip through books and magazines, chat over an afternoon tea or refresh yourself before a trip to the theatre (so in this writer's opinion, basically heaven). 

While the new Miss Gunn's may be in a different part of the station, the spirit of its namesake lives on through calm, welcoming vibes and the promise of relaxation at the end of a hectic Melbourne day. It's a modern version of the old-school urban lounge, complete with relaxing jazz, a snacky menu and top-tier cocktails mixed at the bar. 

Bartender shaking cocktails at the bar.
Photograph: Supplied / Miss Gunn's

Care for a post-train journey tipple? Try the Distant Memories, a concoction of Never Never gin, yellow Chartreuse, rhubarb stew and lemon juice. Or the fruity Dolly, an expertly mixed blend of spiced rum, lemon juice, blueberry oleo and blueberry yoghurt. The bar also offers beer, wine and a selection of pre-batched cocktails such as Negronis and Espresso Martinis.

If hunger's calling your name, you're in luck. Steak frites is on the menu as well as an enticing roll-call of bites like beef cheek croquettes, buffalo chicken popcorn and ooey-gooey oven-baked brie with fig jam. Yep, we can definitely see ourselves slipping down for an elegant pre-theatre snack sesh.

All the original bluestone features and brickwork of the basement (once rumoured to have served as a morgue – eek!) have been left in their original state so you can bask in the history while you sip and dine. 

“As you enter, you are surrounded by the original foundations of the 1909 Flinders Street build. The space tells the story of Miss Gunn, transporting you back in time with exposed bluestone and bricks from the original structure,” said Anthony Simioni, chief operating officer of Doxa Community Club. “With this addition, we are enhancing our offering to members and guests, creating a space that blends Melbourne’s rich history with a sophisticated and welcoming experience.”

Miss Gunn’s will be open every Thursday from 4pm until 11pm, and each Friday and Saturday until 1am. Walk-ins are welcome, but if you'd like to book a spot and be one of the first to check out the cool new space, head to the website.

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