Melbourne Festival: Our guide on where to eat and drink

Melbourne Festival kicks off this week, showcasing some of the most courageous, visionary and ambitious works by artists and performers. The sixteen-day extravaganza explores the theme of humanity – where we have come from and the incredible things that are borne through the human spirit – and is a celebration of our individual journeys. According to a wise person, accompanying every great piece of art is a spritz, a cocktail with punch or a full-bodied glass of red. This is where Milk Bar Mag can help as we celebrate the feasts of the festival and list four thirst-quenching options. 

Lucy Liu 

lucylius.com.au

Undoubtedly one of the trendiest places in Melbourne, the cobblestone-lane entrance and a wicked red neon sign is hard to resist. Their festival offerings include the Floating Market Cocktail – rosemary vodka, apple juice, pear puree and lime – a nifty combination and a drink so fresh and satisfying that you will probably order a second. If you’re feeling peckish, a side of freshly shucked oysters with Ponzu dipping sauce is a treat, or the soft-shelled crab ‘Jianbing’ pancake roll served with spicy Hoi Sin. 

Garden State Hotel 

gardenstatehotel.com.au

A delightful addition to the buzzing Flinders Lane bar and restaurant circuit, Garden State Hotel has impressed hundreds of queues of people since opening their doors just over a year ago. Why not try the smoked mushrooms with sunflower seeds and nori – a delicious vegetarian option – and for cocktails, you must try the passionfruit cheesecake inspired concoction, an ode to the recipe of a staff member’s mother. 

Harley House 

harleyhouse.com.au

If you hear the words ‘pisco sour’ and ‘ceviche’ in the wind, chances are you’ll find yourself stumbling upon Harley House – if you can find it! The quintessential Melbourne venue, hidden in a basement down a laneway, will serve up pisco sours and ceviche marinated in tiger’s milk – lemon juice, red onion and spiced ginger – to your heart’s content. 

Collins Quarter  

collinsquarter.com

This fine establishment situated in the heart of the Paris-end of Collins is the perfect after-work drinks venue. Enjoy 2 for 1 espresso martinis when you present your Melbourne Festival event show ticket on the day of said event. Enough said. 

Melbourne Festival aims to capture our greatest personal life experiences and memorable moments through dance, circus, theatre, music and visual arts, and we’re here to provide perfect accompaniment.

Melbourne Festival 
Various locations
Wednesday, 4 to Sunday, 22 October 2017
festival.melbourne/2017