Flair Is The Theatrical Bar Bringing Cabaret, Burlesque And A $15 Menu To Smith Street

In a city as culturally rich and diverse in venues as Melbourne, it’s not often we get an opening that truly feels like something we haven’t seen before, but Flair might be just that. 

Drawing inspiration from the nightlife of Paris and Italy, Flair is a theatrical bar opening this Friday, 21 August on Fitzroy’s Smith Street. The venue brings together burlesque, cabaret, circus performers, fire artists, hula hoop acts and more under one very dramatic, crimson-lit roof, and that’s not all: everything on the Flair menu—from cocktails to share plates—sits at a friendly $15. 

Image: Flair | Supplied

"I've spent my career in hospitality, but I always knew I wanted to create an unforgettable venue that goes beyond dining or food," owner Rio Olivetti says.

“People are increasingly looking for experiences that go beyond the norm. They want somewhere special that they can talk about afterwards and tell their friends about, and come back to week after week”. 

A rotating line-up of performers will take over the stage from Thursday to Saturday each week, with up to three live performances each night. Things don’t end when performances wrap, either—from 9pm each night, Flair turns into a late-night club.

More than a memorable night out, Olivetti says accessibility was a key consideration in building the venue. 

“Flair is really about bringing together that sense of occasion and entertainment with an accessible price point,” he says.

“You shouldn’t have to spend a fortune to have a great night out, and the $15 price point means people can come in, try a few different things and stay for longer without feeling like they’re breaking the bank.” 

Led by Head Chef Mehmet Akbass (with experience spanning Melbourne Winery and Fancy Hanks), the $15 menu offers easy-going share plates including watermelon with feta and togarashi and zucchini balls with marzano sauce and feta dust, plus margherita, prosciutto, four cheese and diavolo pizzas. 

“The pizza and the burrata are not to be missed,” Olivetti says. “They’re a big part of the menu and definitely something we’d recommend people try."

Image: Flair | Supplied

Cocktails also sit at a cool $15 each, with the Gold Rush (Kettle One Vodka and Tanqueray Gin infused with pear, Contreau and white cane spirit) and Yuzu Blush (goji berry-infused Junmai Daiginjo Sake, Absolut Vodka, yuzu, passionfruit and lemon juice) topping our list. 

Design-wise, Flair leans moody with an old-world cabaret feel, low lighting and custom furniture. On the ground floor, a custom-built stage takes the spotlight, closely surrounded by high tables. Upstairs, a balcony offers another point of view. Head outside and you’ll find a secluded beer garden for quieter late-night cocktails. 

Flair officially opens at 125 Smith Street, Fitzroy on Friday, 21 August and is open 4pm to 1am Thursday to Saturday and 1pm to 12am on Sundays. 

Main image credit: Flair | Supplied