Calling all movie lovers!
Clear your schedule, relax and unwind at these bars that are reminiscent of our favourite films.
We have hand picked these bars for you to go and live out your film fantasy. Whether it be the glamour of Moulin Rouge or the exciting chase of Bullet Train.
Golden Fleece – Mamma Mia
120 Montague St, South Melbourne VIC 3205
We’re all obsessed with Mamma Mia right? If you’ve ever been filled with longing watching Donna and the Dynamos dance the night away in beautiful Kalokairi, the Golden Fleece Hotel has answered your prayers.
Situated in the heart of South Melbourne, this breathtaking bar feels like you’ve hopped off the boat into a Mediterranean oasis. Step into a pristine paradise of booths and alcoves sculpted from white sandstone.
Make your way up to the rooftop, a sun-drenched sanctuary with a Santorini flair. Undeniably the star of the show, this open-air space is a showstopper. Adorned with rustic vases and scattered with cacti, this level provides the perfect selfie backdrop. It is the Ideal spot to watch the sunset or bask in the summer heat.
If the stunning décor wasn’t enough, the bar’s extensive cocktail menu takes it to the next level. Take a Chance on a luscious Floral Rose Rhodes, or a zesty Island Spice. Alternatively, if you’re more into the classics, try a refreshing Mykonos Marg, perfect for those balmy nights.
Make sure you come with an empty stomach, because you don’t want to miss the mouth-watering meals on offer! Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional pub feed or want to sample some Mediterranean delights, Golden Fleece Hotel has it all. From woodfire pizzas, to chicken parma, to eggplant moussaka, I guarantee you won’t leave hungry!
Open 7 days a week, so there’s no excuse for not making your way down to this Montague Street utopia!
Polly Bar – Moulin Rouge
401 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
The stunning aesthetics of Moulin Rouge are undeniably one of the most memorable parts of the 2001 film. The glitzy club setting is immediately enticing, everything from the sets to the costumes is exquisitely crafted. You just want to sprawl out on the lavish lounges with Satine and soak up the ambiance of the cabaret.
If you want a taste of Parisian glamour firsthand, look no further than Polly Bar. First opening their doors over 23 years ago, this establishment worked hard to establish themselves as a Brunswick Street icon.
Reminiscent of the infamous Moulin Rouge boudoir, the bar’s décor is nothing short of spectacular. Adorned with plush couches, walls splashed with rich ruby tones, Polly Bar is dripping in elegance.
Brace yourselves because this venue’s delicious menu is sure to encourage your eyes to be bigger than your belly. A haven for cocktail lovers, this venue typically offers a rotating list of 15-20 specialty house cocktails, each more intriguing than the last.
If you have a sweet tooth, why not try a Curly Wurly. A yummy ‘treat for big kids’, made up of vanilla vodka, caramel, Bailey’s, salted cream and milk chocolate liqueur. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous order a Polly Wants a Cracker. Probably the only chance you’ll have to enjoy Campari infused with Saladas! Alternatively, Polly Bar boasts that ‘no request is too hard’, so if you’re after something off-menu, they’ll be sure to whip you up something special.
Round up you bridesmaids, your groomsmen, or your besties to enjoy a number of decadent experiences on offer. Do you know the difference between whiskey and whisky? Me neither, but why not learn at Polly Bar’s Whiskey Class! Sit back and relax, as a specialist leads you through the spirits’ history, as you sample a range of flavours from around the world.
Mixed drinks more you thing? Try your hand at Cocktail Making! Live your mixologist fantasy, and work your way through a Gimlet, an Aussie Punch and an Espresso Martini.
Offering classic, sophisticated service, so sit back and relax, as the Polly Bar waiters attend to your every need.
OneSixOne – Bullet Train
161 High St, Prahran VIC 3181
David Leitch’s Bullet Train is a whirlwind of action and adventure, basked in a neon glow. One of the movie’s most distinguishing features is its stunning setting. Smacking you in the face with a rapid succession of vibrant colours set to a funky soundtrack. If you loved having your senses engulfed while watching this film, and want to experience this neon circus vibe first-hand, then do I have the place for you…Welcome to OneSixOne!
Emerging from the depths of High Street, this technicoloured wonderland is the perfect party destination. Deliciously retro, complete with LED dancefloor and cushy leather lounges. Decked out so you can drink and dance the night away in a 70s dream.
Be sure to check out the rooftop! An intimate space, with all the charm of the main bar. Beautifully lit with lanterns, ensuring that you can enjoy the sunset in style.
In their own words, OneSixOne are “an outstanding, musically oriented late night experience”, and they definitely live up to the hype. Notorious for its line-up of world-class resident DJ’s and immaculate vibes, this bar comes alive Thursday-Saturday nights from 9pm (8pm on Thursdays). Open until late (like 7:00am in the morning, while everyone else is on their way to work late), OneSixOne is a must for your next all night bender.
Even if you work weekends, you’re in luck! This venue hosts all-day kick-ons, in the form of the Breakfast Club, every Monday from 8am. So there’s no excuses for missing one of Melbourne’s best!
Brunswick Aces – Beauty and the Beast
124 Weston St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Beauty and the Beast (the animated one, obviously, with respect to Emma Watson) has always been one of my favourite Disney movies. Bursting with iconic moments, from Be Our Guest, to the enchanted rose. This movie is an absolute classic, and stays with you long after the screen’s gone to black. If you’ve ever wanted to visit somewhere as unforgettably lavish as the Beast’s castle, you can’t go past Brunswick Aces.
Brunswick Aces describe their vibe as ‘industrial baroque’ and it’s definitely fitting. Appearing as an unassuming industrial warehouse from outside, a complete contrast from the elegance that lies within.
Classy, but cosy, Brunswick Aces exudes warmth, making you feel at home immediately. A stormy blue interior, lined with dark velvet couches and ornate lounges, each more inviting than the last. Beautiful bouquets and birdhouses hang overhead. The walls decorated in an artful mishmash of gilded frames and mirrors.
Despite initially opening as Australia’s inaugural alcohol- free bar and bottle-shop, this venue now caters to all! Offering up a tasty rotating menu, bursting with both non-alcoholic drinks and their booze-filled counterparts.
Even with the introduction of liquor to its establishment, Brunswick Aces is still dedicated to serving up the best virgin cocktails in town. Specialising in ‘distillates’, alcohol-free gin, made in-house that the venue calls ‘Sapiir’. Speaking of Sapiir, it’s absolutely the Belle of the ball.
Take your pick, from three delicious flavour profiles; the fresh & savoury Spades, warm & spiced Hearts or zesty & floral Diamonds. All of which are not only used in many of the venue’s beverages, but are also available to buy from its on-site bottle shop!
Brunswick Aces maintains that “you shouldn’t feel like an outsider or a second thought” if you refrain from alcohol (regardless of the reason). So give your liver a break and come and experience the magic of booze-free cocktails that actually taste like the real thing!
Come and Check Out More of Melbourne’s Best Bars!
You Know You Want To!