Just off Flinders Lane, at the end of Mill Place, you’ll find a heritage-listed building. Dating back to the 1840s, this historic part of town once bustled with hat, soap and candle factories. Now, it houses a hidden speakeasy. To find it, walk through a monogrammed red door and into an old dressing room, filled with mannequins, a vintage sewing machine and rolls of fabric. At the end of the passageway, there’s a grand mirror, which is the secret entrance to the cocktail bar. Once you’ve stepped through, you’ll feel transported back to the days of old. Mill Place Merchants opens to the public on Thursday April 18.
Mill Place Merchants
The cosy yet opulent bar, Mill Place Merchants, fits 60 people, and is a perfect place to go for cocktails, music and light bites. Within its original bluestone walls, you’ll find antique furniture, vintage rugs, a pianola, chess set and more treasured pieces.
“I wanted a space that offered genuine hospitality, with table service allowing patrons to relax and fully immerse in the experience, said Paawan Engineer, Director of Mill Place Merchants.
There will be live acoustic music in the early evening, playing smooth jazz and blues classics. As the night progresses, the energy will rise, switching to swing tunes reminiscent of the big-band era. Then, in the later hours, you’ll feel serenaded by classic crooners, with plenty of jazz, soul and blues.
Food and drink
At the copper-topped bar, you’ll find original cocktails and drinks curated by award-winning mixologist, Giancarlo Mancino. The garnishes are made in-house, with cherries macerated in bourbon and Maraschino liqueur spices and onions pickled for Gibson Martinis.
The cocktail list pays homage to legendary cocktail masters, like Dick Bradsell, inventor of the espresso martini, and Jacques Straub, author of Straub’s Manual of Mixed Drinks. Highlights include: the Pink Lady, made with gin, applejack, lime and grenadine; the Millionaire, made with bourbon, dry curacao, absinthe, lemon, raspberry syrup and aquafaba; and Russian Spring Punch, a concoction made with vodka, raspberry liqueur, blackcurrant liqueur and sparkling wine with raspberry garnish.
You’ll also find plenty of wine, beer, champagne and spirits from local Victorian producers.
Meanwhile, the food menu was created by Chef Deepak Mishra. Look forward to a variety of small bites and share plates, made from native Australian ingredients. Think devilled eggs with Yarra Valley salmon roe, a classic bikini sandwich with bush tomato relish, a locally sourced charcuterie board and more. If you’re after something sweet, there’s also dessert, like a Valrhona Chocolate & Islay Single Malt Ganache or a Traditional Vanilla & Rum Canelé.
When this bar opens, it will run from 5pm to midnight on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 4pm to 1am on Thursdays and Fridays, and 5pm to 1am on Saturdays.