Joanna James
As one of Australia's top tourist hubs, it is little wonder that Melbourne is home to some of Victoria's best drinking holes. Here's a rundown of five bars everyone should experience in the city.
Having opened its doors to the public in 2015, Kirk's Wine Bar has become a popular part of Melbourne's nightlife scene by no coincidence. With its distinct familiar decor and ambience, the cosy drinking nook with its extensive wine list has proven time and time again that a classic wine bar never goes out of style. The list of vintages served at the Kirk's Wine Bar is as wide as they are eclectic with a special focus on old favourites and new wines making waves. Expect trailblazing new favourites by Memento Mori and Radikon to be served alongside traditional wines in a setting that's as understated as it is comfortable.
Having been opened a little over 8 years ago, the Eveleigh may not have been an immediate success story but its steady rise to the top is undeniable as its popularity hits an all-time high in 2019. The beauty of its spacious cocktail lounge alone makes a visit to this posh drinking hole a must while its hard cut ice and other special touches including wine-related books and its own brand of bottles have also set it apart from similar venues in the city. Ideal for business gatherings, the award-winning bar is Melbourne's most sophisticated wine bar to date.
Occupying pride of place in Port Melbourne, the Clooney Kitchen and Bar may be a new member in Melbourne's bar scene but its proprietors Will Crennan and Shannon McFarland are industry giants with four successful bars between them. The cocktail list is what makes a visit to the Clooney Kitchen and Bar a special occasion while some of its hot pick drinks include the Screw Pine Delight and the oddly titled A Modest Proposal. The food served at the venue perfectly complements its wine list so be prepared to spend more than a few minutes at Clooney.
Often regarded as the best place to enjoy a night of cocktails and whiskey in Melbourne, Bar Liberty is a veritable institution in the Victorian capital. Revered for its impressive list of spirits which not only includes whiskies, ciders, wines and cocktails but also vermouth and its own brand of soda made in-house. The quality of the vintages is nothing but top class and the many appetizers and snacks served along with the drinks are equally tantalizing despite the hefty price tag.
Referred to as the cocktail capital of Melbourne, the Black Pearl is one of those bars that are featured on nearly every travel itinerary and with good cause. Run and managed by the Tash Conte brood, the bar's 16-year-old history has cemented its place among the best bars in the city. The wine list is ever-expanding to encompass the various moods and trends of each season. Visitors based at Somerset on Elizabeth Melbourne or any similar Melbourne hotel apartments will find that the venue is conveniently located near their rest.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
