Long before Arbory Afloat had us walking on water, Ponyfish Island was pouring beers on the previously deserted concrete platform under the Evan Walker Bridge. Now after months of upgrading and revamping, our favourite island bar is back on the scene.
Gone are the days of seasonal flooding, power issues and fresh water supply problems, Ponyfish is now securing itself among Melbourne’s hospitality elite. The new fit-out is a complete makeover, elevating the old, rustic nautical themed space to a Palm Springs-inspired oasis in the middle of the Yarra.
Designed by the award-winning Studio Gram, the space is soaked in sophisticated, grammable decor with custom terrazzo tables and furniture, lounge spaces and sunshades, integrated lighting, and a new burnt orange and sage colour palette. “Even if you’ve been before, [the new space] feels a million miles from where you left off”, says Grant Smillie from the team behind Ponyfish.
With a new aesthetic design, comes a new kitchen and menu too. Ponyfish is now plating up an Asian-inspired menu of dumplings and steamed buns to get those taste buds tingling. The drinks list has also had a reboot with new cocktails, wines and beers added to the list. They’ve got some summer favourites like Pimms Jugs and Sangria to keep you cool too. And for the first time, they’ve got draught beer on the island—summer bevs anyone?
The new and improved Ponyfish will be open daily from 11am to 1am for walk-ins. In Smillie’s words, “get ready to fall in love with Ponyfish all over again”. We’re so ready.
Soak up the sun at 20 of Melbourne’s best rooftop bars this summer, check out our guide here.
Image credit: supplied