To make it in Melbourne’s hospitality culture, a venue must hit at least a few check-boxes to appease the exceptionally high—and nuanced—standards that the city has become accustomed to. By all accounts, Curious cocktail bar will be doing so with grace.
The first requirement is the locale, and considering any notable bar or restaurant worth talking about in this city is down a service lane, perched within heritage-listed chambers or on a pontoon under a bridge, Curious has opted for a discreet alleyway followed by a labyrinth-like spiral staircase which then opens up into the opulent cocoon-esque space.
That is, however, just the first of many meticulously curated elements of this moody cocktail haunt. The drinks list has been imagined with Proof & Co, an indie booze distributor that only brings in the alcohol from the upper echelon of their industry—the first cocktail to be announced is a Curious Ristretto, which is their take on a classic espresso martini blended with nutmeg smoke and then sealed with beeswax. Fancy.
Coffee is expected to make several appearances throughout the space in a myriad of ways. That’s not the city’s only cultural pillar Curious will be leaning on; expect nods to Melbourne’s rich art and fashion scenes via the aesthetic and menu, too.
Chef Jihun Kim who heads up W Melbourne hotel—in which Curious is a part of—has curated a stellar food and beverage offering that’s unexpected and challenging in every way you’d want it to be. The extensive wine list has also been immaculately aligned with everything that’s served up in front of you.
Curious opens down Market Street in the CBD on Thursday 4 February. Look for the staircase.
Check out other movements in Melbourne’s hospitality scene here.
Image credit: supplied