Classic cocktails and good banter at Lily Blacks.
Lily Blacks brings together two of the things that make Melbourne great, damn fine cocktails and laneway bars. Like many a good find in this city, you may have walked past it many a time and never gone in. Hidden down Myers Place, just off the top end of Bourke Street, it’s worth the climb.
It’s old world, it’s 1920’s speakeasy and it’s sophisticated. With a tower of spirits in the centre of the bar and more bitters than you are likely to see anywhere else – over 160 – you know they mean business. The cocktail menu has a key. Sweet, sour, bitter, rich, boozy, tall and dry. House made ingredients and some unexpected pairings make it an interesting list.
If you like an Old Fashioned you have come to the right place with six different versions on offer. Try Matusalem Clasico rum with Regan’s Orange and Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters. Or perhaps you’re in the mood for something sweet and boozy? Try their Claridge: Tanqueray Gin, Noilly Prat Dry Vermouth, Marie Brizard Apricot Liquer, Cointreau, Bokers Bitters and lemon zest.
Craft beers like the Hawthorn Pale Ale and some local and imported wines (two sparking, three white and three red) will have you covered if you’re not in the market for a cocktail.
Lily Blacks’ is a place where anyone and everyone is welcome. The after work crowd take refuge here after a long week and if you find yourself here in the wee hours of the morning – they are open till 3am every night – you are likely to find the hospitality crew fuelling themselves for the weekend ahead.
What you are guaranteed here is fun and some damn fine libations and these two things are put on display in their monthly competition, Iron Bartender. Think Iron Chef but replace chefs with some of Melbourne’s top bartenders and the knives for muddlers. Secret ingredients, captivated audiences and an all round raucous event follows.
LILY BLACKS
12 Meyers Place Melbourne
lilyblacks.com.au
(03) 96544887
Hours:
Mon-Thurs 5pm-3am, Fri 4pm-3am, Sat-Sun 6pm-3am