Let’s do the time warp again! This time, we’re taking it all the way back to New Orleans in the 1940’s, a time that the folks over at Beneath Driver Lane are dedicated to preserving and keeping alive. With its French inspired bar food, speakeasy vibes and live blues music, it’ll seem like that golden era of history never ended!
The fun of Beneath Driver Lane begins on street level, before you even step into the bar. Tucked behind the GPO building, down Driver Lane in Melbourne’s CBD, there’s two lights on either side of an unassuming, unmarked doorway that act as the only indicators of this venue’s existence. But to those of us with a trained eye, these two lights signify the beginning of a very unique and exciting journey.
After entering this underground hideaway, you will immediately be greeted by a warm and cozy vintage style drinking den not usually found on the modern Melbourne streets above. The chic exposed brickwork, leather bound booths and soft candle light casts a veil of old world charm upon the entire venue. This whole vibe perfectly preps you for the accompanying drinks menu that pairs so well with Beneath Drivers Lane bluesy and sophisticated atmosphere.
Drinking at Beneath Drivers Lane is a mind blowing experience in itself. We’d be hard pressed to think of another bar in Melbourne that has a drinks and spirits menu as extensive as Beneath Driver Lane’s does. With over 100 different types of whiskeys, 20 kinds of gin and 40 types of tequila from all over the globe, Beneath Driver Lane can accommodate any palette, from the most novice to those of whom consider themselves a connoisseur of fine spirits.
Now for those of you with no interest in the floral and fruity notes in a single malt whiskey, and whose only concern is that your drink tastes good and is visually pleasing, Beneath Driver Lane has got you guys covered too. With a stunningly stylish blend of classic cocktails that have been given the Beneath Driver Lane touch (e.g their New York Sour is a fresh take on the Whiskey Sour) as well as completely new and innovative cocktails that will leave you dizzy at their ingenuity and inventiveness. Our favorites include the Black Wasp, a deliciously smooth drink that features some of Beneath Driver Lane’s very own homemade fig liqueur and the Hot Foot Powder, which trust us, tastes better than it sounds. It’s got a delightful blend of cognac, chocolate bitters and orange sherbet! It’s a fun cocktail that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
And we haven’t even gotten to the food yet! This place will change the way you think of ‘bar food’ forever, so the standard dusty bowl of peanuts at the end of the bar will never satisfy again. Honestly, what other bar can you think of that serves mini french crepes with ricotta and dark chocolate and hazelnut terrines. Closing time here isn’t until 3am every night, so if you’re sick of those late night greasy meals from the back of a truck, treat yourself instead with the class and luxury only a meal at Beneath Driver Lane can offer.
What’s even better about this bar is that it also can be hired for private functions! If you’re looking for your next corporate event or engagement party to have an air of intrigue and mystery surrounding it, Beneath Driver Lane is the place to hold it. Available for half (60 guest capacity) or full venue hire (120 guest capacity), Beneath Driver Lane’s staff will work with you to tailor their space to your every whim.
Now with all this on offer, it’s pretty hard to imagine there’s anything more you could need from this place that they aren’t already doing. Wishing they had a private whiskey tasting station? Check. Hoping for some Live jazz and blues? Double Check. Beneath Driver Lane has everything a classy outing needs, and can take your night from average to super memorable, and all you have to do is come down and check it out for yourself! If you can find this hidden gem that is.
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By Aimee Traficante
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