The Bayswater Brasserie opened in 1891 or ‘92. In the past 5-6 years the bar has become a bit more than a waiting room for the restaurant. Last year the Bayswater was voted the fourth best bar in the world.

 

There are some people out there who do have a sense of culture about them and drink something nice, something different and enjoy a few drinks and go home, you know, but – on the weekend it’s guaranteed – people go out to get drunk.

 

Australians still have that mentality of beer and bourbon and coke. But the classic cocktails are ‘real’ drinks: three or four ingredients, straight spirit, hardly any juice – straight liquor – serious cocktails.

 

Come up to a bar and say what you like and ask for something different. Show us that you’re interested in something different than just vodka and beer. 

Murmur is an alleyway bar in Melbourne. We’ve got a great beer list and things like that but we’re really passionate about our cocktails, we’ve just won Australian cocktail bar of the year.

 

Not here. There’s a real appreciation of good spirits and good quality drinks being made, you know, people really have an education and Melbourne’s level of knowledge, even from customers, is great now.

 

Hemmingway used to get a double frozen daiquiri in a paper bag to take home from his bar each night and some of the greatest leaders in the world have always relied on a Martini after work. So yes!

 

Buy them a shot of tequila. Pure straight Tequila and always Don Julio. We drink the Blanco and we’ve just added our 50th bottle up on our collection of them on our ceiling – so we’re not doing too badly at the moment.

The Lark puts an emphasis on the finer details. Last year we took out first place as Australia’s best new bar. We do rustic food in a stylish setting with the overriding emphasis being on the bar and top notch service.

 

If you visit some of the bigger institutions yes but our venue is very civilised, a more grown up crowd.

 

Yes of course they do - as long as it’s not a fluffy duck! We are blessed with fantastic weather in this country, so Mojitos and Margaritas could easily be our adopted children. 

 

If you’re a gorgeous lady, order a Single-Malt Scotch with a beer chaser and then give me your phone number or… perhaps if you get great service, maybe a little chat, with a great drink - TIP!