Rufus

The Verdict

The proliferation of secret laneway bars behind non-descript doors in Melbourne is the stuff of legend—and now we have had yet another one gifted to us in the form of off-Greville cocktail, whiskey and cigar bar, Rufus. Melbourne, you're too good to us.

The bar is set across three small areas: a cocktail lounge adorned with vintage chandeliers and bespoke furnishings, a cigar and whiskey room that recalls Rufus' Churchill theme, and a patio for smoking said cigars, overlooking the tumbling rooflines of South Yarra. It sounds poetic because, well, it is.

The cocktails are old fashioned and sleek, dolled out via a traditional butler station littered with crystal decanters. But these aren't for show—you can purchase top shelf whiskey by the 250mL decanter. Tick! The bar food is high end and harking back to a different era, with caviar delivered via blinis, oysters and a prawn cocktail—perfect with the extensive French champagne list.

Dress up for a night on the town: Rufus is here to make your life just that little bit more fancy.

Image credit: Cath Grey for The Urban List