Red Hummingbird is a Melbourne style bar without the need for it being hidden down a lane. With its cocktail lounge and rooftop bar, it definitely caters to all occasions.

Website:

Red Hummingbird

Location:

1/246 Russell Street, Melbourne (CBD)

Difficulty Finding:

- EASY with a catch. It is not down a lane; however it has the sort of entry that can go unrecognised. It’s on Russell Street between Little Lonsdale and Lonsdale.

Summary:

- Type: Cocktail bar
- Food: Antipasto
- Music: DJ
- Cover: None

Review:

Red Hummingbird is the sort of bar you could walk past a hundred times before noticing that there is something there, however once entering you certainly will be wanting to return. Although there is a birdcage hanging above the front door, its not the sort of place that makes it openly apparent that there is something there. This works in the bar’s favour as it generally means that the people that are there have gone in search of it, or know of it already. There are two bar areas split over two levels once inside, the first bar “The Cocktail Lounge” at the top of the entry staircase is as the website suggests, very Moroccan in style, the tidy interior is welcoming without being pretentious. There is a second staircase on the side which leads to the second level, “Silk Pagoda Rooftop”, a lovely rooftop bar that is major a draw card for Red Hummingbird.

Both bars have the same menu, however they certainly cater for different situations. The bar staff come across as knowing their stuff and always have a good suggestion about what to have if you are unsure. The prices are reasonable for Melbourne bars, and the cocktail menu on offer is diverse without being overbearing. It offers traditional cocktails as well as their own ones which tend to have a bit of a Moroccan spin, which are well worth a try if you desire something a little different. Also if you are feeling a bit peckish, there is a nibbles menu on offer, its not substantial however it certainly helps fill the spot. The rooftop area is worth visiting and offers something that is perfect for a warm evening. While its not high enough for the views of the city to be spectacular, it does feel very Melbourne in that it offers something special hidden away.

As with most Melbourne bars though it is quite small, so when it IS a warm night, be there early and be prepared for it to get busy. When it gets busy, a tighter dress code is in place to try to cut back on entry. It is a perfect spot to visit during the week though as when it is not busy, it is lovely to go and sit upstairs. This is not to say it is only a summer bar, the inside cocktail bar as a lovely fireplace that is lovely and warm on the most cold of the winters nights.

For those that enjoy this bar its sister bar The Emerald Peacock, is just a couple of blocks away which is just as popular as Red Hummingbird, offering a different spin on the same concept.

Final Thoughts:

If you have the time, don’t pass up the opportunity to pass up going to Red Hummingbird. The theme of the bar has been successfully carried through to all aspects of the bar and it is certainly worthwhile to go any time of the year, with the rooftop though, especially when its warm.

Pro’s:
+ Rooftop bar – Always a winner in summer
+ Successful transition of the Moroccan theme to all areas of the bar
+ Good bar staff
Con’s:
- Tiny bar
- Slow service when busy

Score:

Atmosphere: 8
Service: 8
Menu: 7
Cost: 7
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Overall: 7.5