Just when you thought the Espy couldn’t get any better, they go ahead and drop a fresh open-air bar, right in the peak of summer.
The al-fresco bar, deck and dining area has joined the likes of Mya Tiger, Louey’s Bar & Kitchen, and Ghost of Alfred Fenton on the hallowed grounds of the historic Hotel Esplanade. Housed within a former Ichi Ni site, The Espy Sunroom has totally reimagined the space, offering up sun-soaked dining and cocktails with a view.
Outside, the sundrenched deck overlooks Port Phillip Bay, with a retractable roof and bi-fold windows primed for sundowners and unpredictable Melbourne summers.
Indoors, you can expect to find The Espy’s signature Paris-bistrot-meets-coastal-shack interiors—lofty ceilings, art deco tiles, mismatched rattan chairs and scattered greenery, plus pendant lighting to set the mood.
Here, the ocean takes centre stage, with fresh oysters, crispy salt and pepper squid, and kingfish crudo with zingy finger lime and jalapeno for bite-sized snacking. If you’re in the mood to share, the seafood platter is a must—piled high with scallop ceviche, kingfish crudo, king prawns and oysters. You’ll want to keep the barramundi to yourself though—a crispy-skinned, coal-grilled fillet with sugar snap peas, heirloom tomato, olives and caper verde.
They thankfully haven’t skipped on the pub classics, with parmas, schnittys, burgers and a roast chook roll with gravy on the menu, plus the standard rotation of Espy stone-fired pizzas. Just be sure to chuck in a serve of hot honey halloumi and potato cakes with vinegar salt on the side.
A trip to St Kilda would be incomplete without a cheeky cocktail, and The Espy Sunroom delivers. Standouts include their signature Guava Paloma with rhubarb Liqueur, the Midori and cherry-spiked Japanese Slipper, and a punch-packing house Negroni.
For something lighter, their spritz list covers all the regular suspects. Take your pick from Aperol, Limoncello, Hibiscus or Hugo. If you’re keen to sip local, you'll be in safe hands with their list of Victorian beers and wines, or venture further afield with a juicy chilled red from South Australia.
Seaside dining and drinks aside, The Espy Sunroom has also conjured up a stacked events and entertainment calendar. With Trivia Wednesdays, live music and DJs on Friday and Saturday nights, plus funk, house and soul sessions on Sundays, it's a lineup made for late-night kick-ons and slow arvo recoveries.
Whether you’re chasing a long lunch in the sun, a quiet one after work, or sunset cocktails that roll into the early hours with the crew, The Espy Sunroom is primed for summer fun. Head here to book or to scope out the full menu.
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Images: Supplied.