One of the best ways to enjoy a rose or cocktail in Melbourne is at one of their amazing bars. The team at BeautyEQ (purely for research of course) shares six of the best in this urban oasis.
Peaches
The perfect drinking spot for night owls (Louise Hilsz was a symphony of colour in this bar) is Peaches. This two-level cocktail bar on Swanston Street, has an 60s pastel colour vibe of pink, green and peach, suede upholstered booths and terrazzo tabletops in the downstairs bar, that is honestly hard to beat for a colour addict like Hilsz. The perfect spot for a nightcap, it's the rooftop bar with timber decks and whitewashed brick walls that shows of Melbourne city at it's best. Our cocktail of choice is the Britney Bitch, is served with sloe gin, basil, topped with raspberries.
Peaches bar is open 4pm–1am Monday to Thursday. 12 am until 3 am Friday, and Saturday, and serves food from a simple snack menu until the last call.
Peaches Level 2, 301 Swanston St, Melbourne.
Style director Louise Hisz photographed at Peaches bar. Hilsz wears Karen Walker Maryland top, $325 and Charlotte skirt, $570.
Trinket Bar
Anyone who collects vintage glassware will love Trinket bar on Melbourne’s busy Flinders Lane. Spacious, with a feminine old-world charm, or head downstairs through a wardrobe door draped in vintage dresses to the downstairs cellar bar and relax in a more intimate space. Indulge in one of their old-world delectable cocktails The Gem, The Perfectionist or our favourite Window Kiss, made with Calvados, yellow Chartreuse, and Dom Benedictine. Or stick with a simple glass of light French Rosè served in a pretty vintage glass, and don’t forget to order a bowl of sweet, sticky cashew nuts.
Trinket Bar, 87 Flinders Ln, Melbourne
LUI BAR
Just over 230 meters from the ground, the Lui bar will take you to new heights. The most spectacular view out over Melbourne city, you will feel like you are sipping cocktails in the clouds sip. From a full cocktail list to champagne by the glass, the snacks are next level; it's the place to go for live music every Sunday afternoon. Our cocktail of choice Fizz de Violette, served 25 Gin, Violette, lemon, egg white, shaken, and served sweet and sour - it's delicious. Or play it safe with the classic espresso martini - to quote our style director Louise Hilsz, “That was the best espresso martini I have ever had.” High praise indeed.
Open 5.30pm until 12 am weeknights. Friday, Saturday until 3 am. Sunday until 11 pm.
Lui Bar, Level 55, Rialto, 525 Collins Street, Melbourne.
Eau De Vie
This is a must, to quote Hilsz again - "This place is insane, it's the best cocktail bar in Melbourne." Down Malthouse Lane, it's intimate and very stylish. The cocktails, made by bartenders who are in our opinion artists, The Aviator, is a mix of handmade rhubarb and juniper puree with Tanqueray Gin, lemon juice and a touch of maraschino - it's absolutely divine, for those with a sweet tooth, try Peanut Butter Jelly Time, a combination of peanut butter rum, hazelnut liqueur, lemon, cassis, maraschino and plum bitters. Or if you are whiskey fan, (the boys will love this one) the glass arrives on a wooden board sitting amongst smoked wood chips. Don't go to Melbourne without dropping into this beautiful bar - even if it's for a drink before dinner, but you can also go there for dinner. The food is also too good, baked cheese, the eggplant fries (which are now off the menus sadly they were too popular apparently - who knew) and delicious foie gras will set you up for a great night out in Melbourne.
Opening hours from 5pm every day.
Eau De Vie, 1 Malthouse Lane, Melbourne.
Gin Palace
If you like a glass of chilled gin, this is the place to visit. The decor is sumptuous, think plush velvet, dim lighting, and luxe-y chandeliers, this basement cocktail bar is beautiful. And while you sit in decadent you can select the best G&T from the menu. Gin is, quite rightly, dominates the drinks menu there are dozens of options, you will find one to fit your Gin style we promise. But you can also get a great martini here, and a fruity cocktail. Or on a chilly night sip a mug of spiced and buttered pear cider.
Open every day from 4pm -until 3 am.
Gin Palace, 10 Russell Place, Melbourne.
Siglo
At any time of the year, the rooftop Siglo bar high up in the trees overlooking Parliament is the place to meet. From good Aussie wines and craft beers to cocktails or a whiskey and cigar. This bar is the best place to go with a group of friends. The open-air terrace is a great spot for a late night supper or dessert after dinner. Our cocktail of choice, the Twisted Dragon with Tanqueray gin, a splash of shiraz syrup, with me, elderflower soda.
Siglo opens at 5 pm each day and closes at 3 am.
Siglo, 2/161 Spring Street, Melbourne.
The BeautyEQ team travelled to Melbourne withe thanks to Visit Melbourne.