Follow the yellow brick road down a Melbourne laneway to StoryVille Bar.
Willy Wonka may have his Chocolate Factory, but Melbourne has a new themed bar, StoryVille. Owners Steve and Keti Thomas (Pawn & Co., 29th Apartment) have created a whimsical fairytale themed venue where you can’t help but reminisce about your childhood.
The double story venue designed by Josh Lefers embraces fantasy and all things quirky, transporting patrons to Hogwarts’ forbidden yet enchanting forest. Spot the giant gold bird cage, illuminated magical toadstool bar and tree trunk stools as you explore the unknown. Then, follow Hansel and Gretel’s lead and venture out of the forest to the upstairs bar. More whimsical scenery awaits, including picture frame tables and a wall of enormous novels displaying favourite fables.
Created by Adam Bothwell (Tipping the Scales), the cocktail menu pays homage to classic reading with the likes of “Charlie’s Winning Ticket”, “Polyjuice” and “War & Peace”. Honouring Orwell’s Animal Farm, be sure to try “Mr Pilkington’s Neighbour” featuring pork-chop-fat washed bourbon, apple liqueur and animal crackers. Served in a tea pot with dry ice, the “Through the Looking Glass” is a Vanilla Cream delight reminiscent of Lewis Carroll’s 1871 classic. There is also a good range of wines and beers available.
The food menu is similarly inspired, with a range of delicious jaffles ($8) as the perfect accompaniment to your tipple. Remember Dr. Seuss’ with “Green Eggs and Ham” a combination of country ham, basil, eggs and english cheddar. Guess the cheese surprise with “Three Blind Mice” and cry wee, wee, wee all the way home after trying “This Little Piggy” a mix of pulled pork, paprika, pickles and chipotle jam.
Transport back to your adulthood by indulging in a cheese or charcuterie selection from the Midnight Feasts menu (3 for $14 or 5 for $22). This experience will treat you better than raiding your refrigerator at 1 am!
StoryVille is the perfect destination to escape from reality, for casual after work drinks, a Saturday night out with friends, or for a pre-drinking hub before you hit Melbourne’s club scene with your fellow adventurers.
With host Alex Docherty (The Emerson) and musical enchantment by James Austin (EAT Music), you can be sure that your first visit to StoryVille will be one of many chapters to come.
This little piggy went there and loved it, so what are you waiting for?
StoryVille
185 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
(03) 9993 9034
www.storyvillemelbourne.com.au
Open: Monday to Thursday (4pm – 3am)
Friday (4pm – 5am)
Saturday (6pm – 5am)
Sunday (6pm – 7am)
