A new taphouse has opened in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, and we’re excited (and thirsty) just thinking about it.
Situated on the corner of Little Bourke Street, Amphlett House is a 120-seat taphouse offering exceptional drinks and elevated pub classics in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Working with local growers and producers has been top priority for the team led by two Australian hospitality mavens, Andrea Gualdi (who founded the much-loved and awarded Sydney bar Maybe Sammy) and celebrated Melburnian chef, Ian Curley (French Saloon and Kirks Wine Bar). As such, expect to find the majority of the 20 beers on tap hailing from Victoria, like Bonehead and Jetty Road, and 75 per cent of the wines from local producers.
As well as beer you'll find cider, wine, cocktails and good times on tap at Amphlett House (and bottles, of course), plus a curated cocktail list showcasing reimagined and sustainable versions of the classics with native ingredients. Think a Wattle Seed Negroni, Finger Lime Daiquiri and Eucalyptus Smoked Margarita. Clever and delicious.
Head chef Ben Green, who recently returned from London where he was the executive chef of Gather and Gather, is overseeing the cooking alongside Curley. This is pub fare done with finesse, such as smoked bone marrow on toast with parsley and shallot salad; the traditional French dish moules marinière (mussels with white wine, butter and shallots) with crunchy sourdough and aioli; and fish and hand-cut chips with peas, zucchini and yoghurt tartare.
While the menu and drinks may be pub-leaning, the dining room at the taphouse is anything but, with moss-green leather banquette seats, Art Deco mirrors, cane chairs and polished floorboards creating a super sleek, vintage feel.
Part of the Ovolo group, Amphlett House is situated within boutique hotel Laneways by Ovolo. The taphouse is in good company joining the likes of Longrain, Hochi Mama, Grossi Grill and Florentino in Melbourne’s buzzing restaurant and theatre district. Come on down for a snack and beer, and stay for an excellent feed and thoughtfully curated drinks list.