StoryVille
185 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne
Words by Celeste Iuliano
“Written on the pages of Storyville are tales of spirits stirred and shaken.”
With these words we stepped through the pages of a storybook and were transported away from Melbourne’s bustling laneways into a fantasy land. Magic mushrooms hung low over tables as love birds canoodled in the golden cage, at the launch of StoryVille, the latest addition to vibrant Lonsdale Street.
StoryVille is a themed bar that draws inspiration from classic books. Avid readers will love the feature wall on the upper floor (a giant’s dream library), and the signature cocktails with references to stories that will take you back to childhood. The aptly named ‘Drink me’ list has nods to tales as diverse as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and A Clockwork Orange, each served with a fantastical twist!
Potterheads, such as myself, can choose to brew their own polyjuice potion at their table, combining gin, ginger liqueur, kiwi, basil, and lime to taste. Or perhaps you’d rather a taste of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, in which case you might order Through the Looking Glass. It combines vanilla tea, Havana 3 Year Rum with a side of cream, and comes served under a veil of fog, inviting you to peek through the looking glass like Alice.
I’m a big fan of Roald Dahl, so I chose to try the New York Peach, a fruity concoction inspired by James and the Giant Peach. The mix of Cognac, Kirsch, cherry, peach, and lemon make for a sweet and tangy treat, but it comes topped with a surprising nod to James’ creepy crawly friends! It’s definitely one for the more adventurous.
Don’t worry if you’re feeling a little peckish after the hard work of choosing a cocktail, the ‘Eat me’ list boasts more than your average bar snacks. Charcuterie by Savour & Grace is on offer, as well as bespoke Jaffles by Om Nom, with themed flavours such as Green Eggs and Ham and Little Red Hen. My absolute favourite is the Three Blind Mice, a three cheese jaffle that’s tangy, mustardy, creamy, and morish. I may have had seconds.
So if you’re feeling a little adventurous this spring, be sure to take a peek inside.
Storyville may well set the scene for your next magical night out.
Images Courtesy of APL PHOTOGRAPHY & Thomas Bindley
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Footnote:
Read more about StoryVille: https://theaustraliatimes.com/2017/09/06/introducing-storyville/
Owned by Steve and Keti Thomas – the team behind Pawn & Co. and 29th apartment– StoryVille honours childhood fables and fairytales in an exquisite fit-out that evokes nostalgia and ignites imagination.
Website: https://www.storyvillemelbourne.com.au/
Email: functions@storyvillemelbourne.com.au
Instagram: @storyville
29th apartment – www.29thapartment.com.au – https://www.facebook.com/29thapartment/ -@29thapartment
Pawn and Co. – pawnandco.com.au – https://www.facebook.com/PawnAndCo/ – @pawnandco
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Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times News – GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events
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