Discovery Melbourne Recommends: Gin Palace 

For those who love a bit of ‘Mother’s Ruin’…

If you’re planning on a night out in the famous laneways, then you’re not going to want to miss the crème de la crème when it comes to the best that this fine city has to offer… But where to find such places, you might be wondering? Especially as Melbourne’s most unique venues also tend to be their most inconspicuous too. Yes, Australia’s culture capital sure does love its secret bars, and this one in particular, could be fairly easy to pass by, should you not be too familiar with this labyrinth-like district.

But at just a five to ten minute walk from the iconic Flinders Street station, the gin themed – and aptly named – Gin Palace is one of the easiest of the laneway bars to find, as well as one of its most decadent.

Located in the heart of the CBD, down one of one of Melbourne’s oldest laneways and amongst a treasure trove of quirky fashion stores, vibrant jewellers, lively bars and eclectic eateries; you’ll find the perennial favourite of foodies and fashionistas alike, the Gin Palace.

Dazzling gold signage will guide you to the entrance of the lavish basement lounge, just off Russell Place. From here you will step down the stairs and feel transported to the Old Victorian era; as palatial, draping fabrics and art deco furniture of contrasting textures, patterns and colours surround and dazzle you.

As far as bars go they don’t come much swankier than here. From its plush, gothic décor to its attentive table service, the bar delivers the perfect first impression. On first glance, you could assume that only the classiest and most sophisticated would fit in here; who would all be sipping their party poisons with their pinkies pointing off their glasses. But as the saying goes, ‘don’t be too quick to judge a book by its cover’. There’s a lot going on beneath the polished, urbane appearance of Gin Palace. You may also need to give your eyes a few seconds to adjust to the darkness before exploring too…

The series of dimly lit ‘loungeroomesque’ spaces and alcoves will have you wondering where to plant your derrière, with the bathtub presenting a particularly interesting option to the more adventurous or ostentatious; though the deep cushiony booths will make the perfect option for an intimate chat or canoodle with a date.

Here, the background music stays below conversation-killing level and is simultaneously smooth and lively, while polite, uniformed waiting staff ferry drink trays from the bar to the scattering of tables and private nooks. It makes for a classy affair, suited to first, or even last, drinks, thanks to an early morning close.

Gin is, quite rightly, the focus of the extensive drinks menu. A page purely for martinis is followed by a double spread devoted to the Palace’s spirited namesake. But gin-less cocktails aren’t entirely neglected and range from cooler, fruity concoctions to the perfect winter warmer: a mug of warm, spiced and buttered pear cider.

But whatever your tipple, the Palace will provide. Cheers!

www.ginpalace.com.au

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10 Russell Place, Melbourne VIC 3000