So, you need to organise that end of year work party, that big yearly catch-up with your friend group, or perhaps you are wanting to impress the in-laws? We got you! In honor of the venue you are about to shuck, allow us to guide you through opening your oyster the right way.
First, we approach Melbourne’s Theatre District where your oyster, Pearl Diver Cocktails & Oysters (PDCO) awaits. Now be patient, as we haven’t even cracked open the shell yet! Here, PDCO sits in an ice bath waiting for you. This is one oyster you will definitely want to open…
Here, you can sit back and be immersed with the beautiful décor whilst you are served fresh and seasonal oysters paired with hand crafted cocktails created by award winning bartender Alex Boon. With the space designed by Studio Y and co-owners Pez Collier and Boon, you will be transported to the high seas with a flare of retro spark – so really, the perfect place for your next party.
So, let’s shuck this oyster and appreciate the unique shell of the venue. At Pearl Diver everyone and anyone is welcome, whether you are a party of two wanting some fancy drinks or a bigger group celebrating an event or even just a simple get together.
For these bigger occasions, Pearl Diver has you covered with their unique and versatile function spaces that hold from 6 to 110 guests. With multiple spaces available, you will be able to host the event of the year!
Oyster shells come in all shapes and sizes, so for those smaller occasions, ‘The Pearl Room’ is an intimate and closed off room that allows a seating of 6 guests to enjoy a one-on-one masterclass, an exclusive dinner or for the ultimate experience – both!
For those bigger occasions, ‘The Oyster Room’ is an exclusive dining area which holds up to 16 seated guests and features a custom inbuilt oyster well in the center of the dining table for you to fill with fresh oysters, caviar and Champagne! If you are tasked with hosting a bigger event, semi-private and fully private event spaces are available to cater and service the function of your dreams!
While you enjoy your time with friends, family or colleagues you will be surrounded by mesmerising décor that transports you to a small sea-side town. With industrial ceilings and beautiful vintage hanging lights that emit a yellow glow of warmth, you will be sitting on plush velvet seats which will create a cozy and intimate space no matter how many people you are dining with.
Another key feature of the shell of this oyster are the tall ceilings which are adorned in recycled fishing nets that were once used on boats. Creating waves above you, this is a detail which truly brings the beach to you without even leaving the CBD.
Now that we have opened and explored the shell of our oyster, lets get to the meat as I’m sure you are getting hungry by now! Pearl Diver isn’t just a great function space so don’t fret if you don’t have any parties planned because there is enough inside the oyster for everyone.
Known for their fresh and seasonally chosen oysters, you must try an oyster whether that be natural with some lemon or cooked. Oysters are available to purchase individually but only fresh, if you wanted to become an oyster-tasting-expert.
If you can’t stomach fresh oysters, you can also find a range of cooked ones that are available in half-dozen batches. Pearl Diver offers an assortment of cooked options including Kilpatrick, as well as a range of other accompaniments for the perfect bite! This includes Caviar, Mignonette, Yuzu Ponzu and Hot Sauce.
Now if oysters really aren’t your thing, don’t worry! Pearl Diver offers a range of other food for snacking or heartier dishes that are perfect for shared style feasting. Their seasonal, produce driven food menu offers dishes like Caramelised Leek Tarte Tatin with Blue Cheese, a Lobster Bisque Dip, Pork Cutlet with a Port sauce and for something sweet there is Crème Brulee- just to list a few of the delicious options available.
To go with your fresh oysters and delectable menu dishes there is a wine and cocktail list that will transport you to heaven. Big wine lists can sometimes be intimidating though, so make sure to ask for a recommendation from the friendly staff if you can’t choose.
Now we have gotten to the best part of our oyster- the Pearl! It’s one of a kind, it’s shiny, it’s Pearl Diver’s very own Sea and Shell cocktail! This specialty house cocktail is made up of PDCO’s own Oyster Shell Gin accompanied with a signature olive that is served and pressed in its own oyster shell… seriously, the pearl in this oyster is next level!
If that’s not enough to convince you, staff at Pearl Diver shared that if they could have any cocktail for the rest of their life, it would be Sea and Shell. This cocktail is so special in fact, that they believe the house gin “can really just satisfy all your cravings”.
If you aren’t sold yet, let’s dress our oyster with a special vinaigrette for the perfect bite! How does that taste? It tastes a lot like PDCO’s High Tide Afternoon, available Wednesday to Friday, from 5pm until 7pm. This deal gives you the opportunity to enjoy one of the signature cocktails paired with a delicious snack for $30. Also available is a $12 snack size version of the award winning Sea and Shell Martini with its olive oyster.
So there you have it, a perfectly shucked oyster! Now grab your friends and head on down to Pearl Diver Cocktail’s & Oysters to try it for yourself.
