LMFF LOVES BARS
Hotel Nest
www.hotelnest.com.au
111 Victoria Ave
Albert Park VIC 3206
03 9699 9744
The latest news in the Hotel industry is that the ‘Red Eagle’ has flown the coup and Hotel Nest was officially hatched. Indulge in the Nest Dining experience where you can savour the flavours of modern European cuisine, whilst enjoying a glass of wine which has been sourced from private cellars, auction houses and boutique vineyards from all over the world.
Relax in the modern bar which features an extensive range of International & Australian Beers whilst enjoying the tastes of a range of specially designed 'small plates'.
Voted as the best bar in town by you (Dec 09).
Red Hummingbird
www.theredhummingbird.com
1st Floor, 246 Russell Street
Melbourne, 3000
03 9654 2266
Red Hummingbird has relaunched its already existing rooftop bar adding a new Eastern-inspired 'silk pagoda' shelter, featuring silk lanterns and a glowing red cover, designed to keep patrons snug and warm during Melbourne’s winter chill.
The Red Hummingbird rooftop bar is a Bali-style oasis complete with hanging wicker chairs, palms, timber decking, candles and heated, undercover areas. As well as a solid beer, wine and cocktails list, Red Hummingbird has a delicious menu of ‘bird feed’ (bar snacks).
Match Bar and Grill
www.matchbar.com/galleryMatchMelbourne.php
249 Little Lonsdale Street
Melbourne, VIC 3000
03 9654 6522
The Match franchise of friendly approachable cocktail bars, serving decent drinks without pretention, has set its sights on Melbourne. In London there are three Matches, all of them cool, all of them stylish in a laid back way.
Their new outpost in Melbourne's CBD follows the same formula: a nice light interior, knowledgeable staff and good quality cocktails.
The Grill part of the package also delivers, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients – the charcuterie plates are particularly good. We also like the 'wine tunnel' which allows you to sample more expensive wines by the glass.
Spice Market
www.spicemarket.net.au
Beaney Lane
Melbourne VIC, 3000
03 9660 3777
In a town famous for its lo-fi, hole-in-the-wall bars, Spice Market is destined to stand out. A new Middle and Far Eastern bar that occupies 800 square metres of subterranean space under Melbourne's Grand Hyatt.
Spice Market has capacity to cater to approximately 600 guests and fills a void that the city has been crying out for: an upmarket public venue that can accommodate large groups.
White Charlie
www.whitecharlie.com.au
Level 1, 255 Chapel Street
Prahran, VIC 3181
03 9529 1398
The bar's aspiration of a New York vintage aesthetic is reflected in ornately framed mirrors, glittering chandeliers and an opulent decor accented with imperial purple feature walls and an indulgent array of designer drinks to match.
The signature cocktail is White Charlie's Chocolate Cheesecake - a thick blend of Sagatiba Pura Cachaca, Mozart White Liqueur, Monin White chocolate syrup, mascarpone cheese, fresh lemon juice and white chocolate garnish, which can be downed for the very reasonable price of $15.
For something slightly lighter, try the Dragon Boat featuring McKenna Bourbon, Monin Orgeat Syrup, fresh lemon and ginger.
Berlin (West Berlin)
http://berlinbar.com.au
16 Corrs Lane
Melbourne 3000 VIC
03 9639 3396
Just as Checkpoint Charlie connected East and West Berlin during the Cold War, this bar seeks to celebrate the unification of the two sides of this once-divided city. A secret, except to those in the know, Berlin Bar is well concealed: sneak up a laneway and walk beneath the red star of communism to seek refuge from the busy world outside. With a firm nod towards postmodern German culture, the decadent decor has been themed to represent the particular half of Berlin one wishes to inhabit.
West Berlin is a sumptuous space with luxurious leather ottomans and moody lighting. The drinks list is long and table service available. Modern day spies huddle in dark private booths for classified planning of espionage and confidential sharing of secrets, or just for intimate whisperings and quiet canoodling.