Three bars you must visit in Melbourne
Three bars I recommend if you ever visit Melbourne.
Recently a colleague asked me about Melbourne. He was planning a business trip and had two days to himself. It has been a while since I’ve returned back to Melbourne, a home-town of sorts for me.
Melbourne has always held a special place in my heart. It’s culture is distinct from that of the rest of Australia. You could say that it is unique. It is the second largest city in Australia with international acclaim, but also harbors a coziness that only smaller towns can provide. In other words, Melbourne is the ideal size.
Melbourne is safe and familiar. Melbourne is that librarian girlfriend you don’t mind getting back together again, if only you could find her whereabouts. Quirky and unpretentious. Sometimes a little argumentative. But I have left Melbourne behind, and have moved on with my life. I have no intention of returning back. Sometimes it’s best not to dwell.
“So what about the bars in Melbourne?” he asks.
“What about them — It has been so long. I cannot remember,” I tell him.
But I lie.
I do remember. I don’t want to dwell.
Melbourne has moved on. And that means a husband, kids and a SUV. Maybe she’s still interested in reading Haruki Murakami — yes, perhaps. But no longer sharing a flat with two art majors in Fitzroy. So no, it’s not about whether I want to dwell or not. She cannot dwell for her sake. The distance between us is too far now.
I sink back and look out into the grey, cold wintry expanse. It would be worse in Melbourne no doubt. But it would be different there. The cold crisp air would contrast against the warmth in my heart.
When I think of Melbourne bars, there are three that I hold a special fondness for. They have a little place in my heart, and today I will share those with you.
Funny enough, I never really liked Melbourne when I lived there. I was always looking for something bigger. Because bigger meant better. Something like New York, London or Hong Kong. Melbourne was for those without ambition. Melbourne was the safe option. Melbourne was like watching TV in your mother’s kitchen. Perhaps not that bad, but Melbourne it cannot be.
Bar №1: Hihou
A little Japanese bar tucked away at the edge of the CBD, overlooking a nice park. This bar embodies the essence of Melbourne. It is hard of thinking of Melbourne without thinking of Hihou. Jazz with Melbournian concrete — asphalt grey.
Bar №2: Berlin Bar
Hidden in a small lane-way in Chinatown, east meets west. And when I mean east, I mean the German Democratic Republic. This is where Atomic Blonde comes to life. Order a socialist cocktail.
Bar №3: Siglo
Rooftop cigar bar on top of the European (restaurant). James Bond villian style, overlooking old Parliament House. Don’t let the damp grey skies discourage you from a Cuban cigar and a Scotch whiskey. It’s fully heated and filled with charm.
