SEPTEMBER:

This is the first edition of “The Garnish” where we will summarise some of what has gone on in and around the Melbourne Bar Scene.
In this edition: Melbourne Bar Awards 2009 winners, Recent licensing crackdowns for Melbourne, The Garnish Spotlight bar and more…

Australian Bar Awards 2009:

On Wednesday the Australian bar awards for 2009 were held in sydney. Melbourne winners include:

Seamstress, Cocktail Bar of the Year
Match Bar & Grill, New Bar of the Year
Golden Monkey, Bar of the Year
Der Raum, Cocktail List of the Year
The Toff,  Best Music Offering
Seamstress, Best Bar Food

Bartender of the Year:
1st – Chris Hysted, Black Pearl
2nd – Sebastian Reaburn, 1806
3rd – Jason Williams, Blue Diamond

Vernon Chalker, Operator of the Year – multiple venues (Madame Brussels, Gin Palace, The Order of Melbourne, Collins Quarter)
Natasha Conte, Bar Operator of the Year – Single Venue, Black Pearl
Tim Wastell, Blue Diamond, Bar Manager of the Year

The overall list can be found at 4bars.

Grand Final Viewing:

Speaking of The Order Of Melbourne, it is showing the Grand Final on their main bar big screen…So if the Grand Final is your thing however you don’t want to sit in a sports bar and necessarily pretend to care that is well worth a visit.
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL: To book your spot call 03-9663-6707

Manchester Lane:

Manchester Lane this week announced that it was closing its doors in what was seen as a sudden decision by management…it even managed to make the front page of the MX, however this move is only temporary and it will be re-opening soon.

Melbourne Licensing Crackdown:

In the continued licensing crackdowns in the city, new licensing conditions are now in place for Amber Lounge to try to curb city violence more info. Along with this, The Balcony has been fined $15,000 for breaching licensing conditions more info.

THE GARNISH SPOTLIGHT BAR:

This edition, seeing as Melbourne did so well this week at the Bar Awards, our spotlight bar is Seamstress. If you haven’t been there yet it is well worth a visit and will have something for everyone inside. Meals are also available in their dining section in the middle level of the building however bookings are essential.

Some other bars worth trying:

Left Bank New bar open in Melbourne, Left Bank…part of Emirates Leisure.
Night Cat City is now open and worth a look, it has replaced De Biers at 279 Flinders Lane.
Collins Quarter was a bar we visited this week, it has been open for a couple of years now however WELL worth a visit (Review coming soon).