Melbourne brings brrrrr! However that does not need to imply that you just’re caught inside. Placed on some layers and be part of us for a day of espresso, tradition and cocktails with a Hellenic twist.
(Pssst! Learn to the top for a reduction at considered one of Melbourne’s hottest cocktail bars.)
First issues first – espresso, after all.
It would not be a day in Melbourne with out a superb espresso – with the double good thing about a caffeine kick and one thing heat to maintain your fingers thawed. Espresso lovers are spoiled for selection within the metropolis, however listed here are just a few of our high picks for a morning pit cease.
Patricia Espresso Brewers, 493–495 Lt Bourke Avenue
A stylish, compact laneway spot with glorious espresso and small sweets. Necessary to notice, that is standing room solely, so finest for these on the go.
Picture: Concrete Playground / Roseanne Tiziani
Axil Espresso Roasters, 565 Bourke Avenue
A inexperienced, trendy inside and a basic Melbourne brunch-to-lunch menu with glorious espresso, roasted by Axil.
Our favourite possibility for a seated brunch expertise.
Picture: Broadsheet / Jake Roden
Schmucks Bagels, Company Lane (off Lt Bourke)
At Schmucks, bagels come first and low second, which says so much about bagels, as a result of the espresso is nice. A low upkeep however scrumptious possibility for a sit-down or takeaway chunk.
Picture: Broadsheet / Jake Roden
LB2 specialty espresso,
2 Gallagher’s Place
The standard Melbourne laneway cafe. A heat, dimly lit, intimate house tucked down an unassuming lane with restricted bar seating, next-level brews and a curated choice of pastries.
Picture: Broadsheet / Olivia Blackburn
Subsequent on the menu – a dose of tradition.
The geographically astute reader might have observed that each one our cafe strategies will not be removed from William Avenue, with good motive – our subsequent cease is a brief stroll or tram experience to the north finish of William. Hey, it is us!
Cross the highway from Flagstaff Station and you will find two flooring jam-packed with Hellenic historical past, from historic to trendy. Very best for a post-brunch stroll, the museum is open each day 10am-4pm, besides public holidays. You possibly can discover our present exhibitions or be part of one particular occasion.
Hellenic Sizzling Tip!
First time customer? Our prompt approach to expertise the museum for the primary time is with a guided tour the place you’ll expertise all of the highlights and get knowledgeable perception into our exhibitions. Excursions happen on the primary Saturday of every month. Restricted house, advance reserving really helpful.
Place for lunch?
Taking in 8,000 years of Greco-Roman historical past is hungry work. If you’re accomplished together with your museum go to, it is most likely time for a chunk to eat. Our high tip? Proceed strolling up William Avenue till you attain the beloved Queen Victoria Market.
Make a beeline for the Dairy Manufacturing Corridor, residence to cheese, antipasto and charcuterie so far as the attention can see. Our go to provider, not surprisingly, is Hellenic Deli. Right here one can find all of the necessities – gourmand dips, marinated olives, pickled squid, Greek specialties and extra.
Do not forget some cheese from one of many many (many, many…) cheese sellers, a crusty baguette from Andrews and a bottle of one thing scrumptious Sword. Their pleasant workers may even counsel a pairing on your decisions.
Then the climate relies upon (as a result of we’re in Melbourne, #FourSeasonsIOneDay) it is time to head again down William Avenue to the plush Flagstaff Gardens and tuck into your market loot. BYO picnic blanket. (If the climate is just not in your aspect, we propose you search shelter within the QVM Meals Court docket as an alternative.)
A rooftop cocktail with a twist
We’re nearing the top of our day. As soon as lunch is digested, head to town’s Greek Quarter, the place it is time for a dusk-stopping present and an distinctive cocktail record.
Meet Fable – you could bear in mind them from our Hellenic Arts Fest Mixology Workshop earlier this 12 months! The group at Fable have created a stupendous and distinctive rooftop bar within the Mediterranean with just a few essential accolades.
It’s winter pleasant
You would possibly assume a rooftop bar is out of the query at the moment of 12 months, particularly when it is on the lofty thirteenth stage of Lonsdale Avenue’s Greek neighborhood constructing. However considered one of Fable’s largest attracts is its ingenious indoor-outdoor design – the glass facade could be folded out into an ethereal rooftop bar in the summertime or closed for a comfy, sheltered spot within the cooler months, whereas nonetheless retaining its unbelievable skyline views.
It’s wealthy in Mediterranean storytelling
This bar lives as much as its identify. From begin to end, the cocktail menu is wealthy with Mediterranean affect, historical past and mythology – head mixologist Alessandro Nardini have created a menu with a narrative in every drink. In fact, we’re biased and love drinks with Greek mythological tales, however Italian, Spanish and French influences are additionally outstanding on the menu.
A star-studded group
Fluent storyteller Alessandro is not the one star on Fable’s group. The bar is owned and designed by a prolific Melbourne hospitality Gehan Rajapaksa (Sofitel, Hyde Bar, Rah Bar, Membership 23, Crown On line casino) whereas the menu has been devised by the Government Chef Alex Xinis (Melbourne Press Membership, Hellenic Republic) to incorporate Mediterranean affect and cocktail complementary flavors all through.
Hellenic Sizzling Tip!
Fable has simply launched their new winter menu. These are our high strategies to attempt from the brand new food and drinks menus in your subsequent go to.
Favourite cocktail
Calling all lovers of literature – A Lovely Horrible Factor is a cocktail impressed by considered one of Oscar Wilde’s well-known quotes: “I can resist every part besides temptation.” On this case, the temptation is deliciously warming Glenlivet with lemon-oleo and orgeat, aged for 3-4 weeks in small casks seasoned with Malbec wine.
Favourite mocktail
Non-drinkers and designated drivers now not need to accept plain previous delicate drinks. Sancho Panza is a refreshing non-alcoholic possibility in two senses – it is full of juicy citrus and watermelon flavors, and its aquafaba foam makes it really feel like an indulgent cocktail expertise by itself.
Favourite dishes
You should still be digesting your deli objects, however for those who can squeeze it in, Fable’s food and drinks menus complement one another superbly, so we extremely advocate just a few sharing plates together with your drinks. Our picks embody fried calamari with ouzo-lemon mayonnaise for a smaller chunk, and for one thing heartier, you possibly can’t go previous the eight-hour slow-cooked lamb shoulder marinated in lavender honey and served with black olives and parsnips.
A particular provide for our readers
Our buddies at Fable have very generously supplied a winter low cost! Go to Fable on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Sundays till 31 August 2022 and point out this text to obtain 10% off all food and drinks.