In M.A.S.H. Klinger’s way out was with a Section 8, which was the discharge the army handed out for the mentally insane during the war. Section 8 takes its name from this, while showing that one is needed in order to create something so left of field, yet so successful.

Website:

Section 8

Location:

27-29 Tattersalls Lane, Melbourne (CBD)

Difficulty Finding:

- Relatively easy, Tattersalls lane is behind Cookie, Tattersalls Lane is pretty much the most difficult part of finding this one.


Entry to Tatterstalls Lane off Lonsdale Street, next to The Emerald Peacock.

Summary:

- Type: Bar
- Food: Snacks
- Music: DJ, House
- Cover: None

Review:

What do you get when you cross a car park in a back lane after hours with a couple of retired shipping containers? The answer apparently is; Section 8. This simple concept of taking an abandoned car park using shipping containers as the buildings has been very effective in creating something very different to most places in Melbourne. It also creates more of a house party in a carport feel rather than a formal bar feel as the seating relies on crates and there isn’t much to to the “decor” but really who needs that. Even the wire mesh fencing adds to the appeal as its something that bit different.

The tin roof over most of the place helps to keep the rain out however if its windy then there isn’t a huge amount of shelter there, also it helps to make the main area very loud when there are a lot of people. The bar, a container with holes in the sides, is situated along one side of Section 8. The menu is simple yet has most things to appeal to the taste buds, it is mostly mixers and beers so don’t expect to get an intricate cocktail here, but there are plenty of other places around to do that if that’s what you want.

If you are the arty type, Section 8 also is a hub for street art and alternative art types which is well worth going to see. When it all comes down to it, whatever your tastes Section 8 is well worth a visit. It is a good starting point to the night as there isn’t a huge amount to the place, it is what it is, however it does get busy very quickly when its a nice evening.

Final Thoughts:

Section 8 takes thinking out of the box literally and proves that it can be very successful. Be it for the start of the night or the end, it is well worth a visit, especially on those warm summer nights. Its creators have proven that it doesn’t need to be anything particularly special in terms of design in order to attract the crowds.

Pro’s:
+ Great concept with a good atmosphere
+ Centrally located for the start of a night out
Con’s:
- Can be crappy in bad weather
- Another one that when packed its hard to get in

Score:

Atmosphere: Excellent
Service: Excellent
Menu: Very Good
Cost: Excellent
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Overall: Excellent