Playtime at The Emerson

When a media launch is featured on The Project and attracts members of Melbourne’s sporting royalty as well as ex-Bachelorettes from The Bachelor, you know the place is set to be a scene to be seen.  South Yarra’s newest bar cum cocktail lounge and rooftop restaurant, The Emerson, declares itself to be a ‘grown up playground’ and the rumoured $12 million dollar fit-out certainly makes it one classy playground.

The Emerson is spread across three floors. Level one has a club vibe with a high ceiling, statement bar and booth seating.  Upstairs, past the two glittering chandeliers, a more intimate lounge area is paired with a cocktail bar and a carefully curated cocktail list featuring inventive combinations such as the Commercial Express ($19) – similar to an espresso martini with the warm addition of chilli vodka and shavings of chilli chocolate.  The edge of the cocktail lounge also gives a birds eye view of the DJ booth and dance floor below.

Up another level, the rooftop is the most casual of all, with views from South Yarra to the CBD, day beds and a menu designed by Head Chef Jeff Trotter (ex Royal Mail).  The focus of the food is on sharing with substantial plates of confit pork belly on broad beans and soured shallots ($30), or smaller bites of crisp flatbread topped with asparagus, quail egg, and Italian salsa verde ($16).

With full bottle service, private booths, and drinks to share, The Emerson is set to be Melbourne’s newest social institution.  From daytime brunch parties to nighttime DJ sets, The Emerson has burst onto the Melbourne scene, and is definitely a space to watch in the coming months.

THE EMERSON
143-145 Commercial Road, South Yarra, Melbourne VIC 3141
Rooftop: Mon to Fri 4pm till late, Fri to Sun 12pm till late
Club and cocktail lounge Fri to Sun 9pm till late
98250900
theemerson.com.au