Gaining entry into Melbourne's hidden laneway bars isn't usually a problem... but finding them can be.
In the mid-19th century, Melbourne’s centre started life as a carefully planned and executed city, with streets laid out in a strict grid formation. But somehow, twisting and weaving through the main streets, wayward lanes sprang up. These were frequently favoured by shady characters keeping out of reach of the long arm of the law.
Today, the laneways provide the perfect setting for scores of hidden bars, relying solely on word of mouth and knowing patrons for trade. Melbourne’s barkeepers turn the old adage about all publicity being good publicity on its head. Here, it’s more a case of the best publicity being no publicity at all. Garish signs, tacky promotions and, God forbid, souvenir merchandise, have no place in Melbourne’s laneway bars. Even establishments in more obvious locations have taken up the challenge, locating themselves on dusty, disused floors of long-forgotten buildings.
And out-of-towners please be warned: no self-respecting Melburnian would ever admit defeat as they comb laneway after laneway in search of that familiar door or distinctive cobblestone. “I know it’s around here somewhere,” the hapless local will cry, before striking it lucky and acting as if they knew exactly where they were going all along.
Bar Lourinhã37 Little Collins Street.
+61 3 9663 7890.
Canary Club6 Melbourne Place.
+61 3 9663 1983.
Chi Lounge
1/195 Little Bourke Street.
+61 3 9662 2688.
The Croft Institute21-25 Croft Alley.
+61 3 9671 4399.
Lily Blacks3/12-18 Meyers Place.
+61 3 9654 6499.
Manchuria1/7-9 Waratah Place.
+61 3 9663 1997.
Murmur
17 Warburton Lane.
+61 3 9640 0395.
New Gold MountainLevel 1/21 Liverpool Street.
+61 3 9650 8859.
Sarti6 Russell Place.
+61 3 9639 7822.
The ToffLevel 2, Curtin House, 252 Swanston Street.
+61 3 9639 8770.
Source: Qantas The Australian Way March 2008
Updated: September 2008