VENUE GUIDE
WORDS BY
SIDONIE BIRD DE LA COEUR AND KAYA MARTIN
MANTRA STUDIO LIVE MUSIC is twangy, jangly and full of heart at this innerwest oasis. If city slickin’ has got you down, head here to be brought back down to earth. FAMOUS FOR having a fully decked-out onsite recording studio, meaning local musos can hop in the booth whenever inspiration strikes. INFAMOUS FOR the finger food. So delicious yet so limited. I’ll take three orders of the wagyu dumplings please, and no, I will not be sharing. Æ Often called a hidden gem (despite being spread over two floors and a patio), this Yarraville joint does a little bit of everything. Looking for a place to record an album? Mantra. Host a wedding reception? Mantra. Enjoy Pan-Asian cuisine and craft beer while jamming out to live country, RnB, roots and blues music? You guessed it: Mantra. But don’t get the impression that they’ve overextended themselves. Created by Dave Baird and Patsy Toop, this place thrives off its friendly hospitality – anyone who walks through the door, for whatever reason, is met with a cheerful and welcoming vibe. The high-ceilinged, light-filled space has a cosy quality and works just as well for performances as it does for private functions and parties. Live music goes down on most Friday nights and is free for anyone who wants to stop by. They also offer an ever-changing Bar Bites menu on these evenings, featuring snackable selections as well as larger plates such as crunchy karaage burgers and pillowy bao. While music usually happens in the front bar, bigger events like album launches and tour dates can also be held in the intimate back room. You’ll often find artists grabbing a drink after a long recording session in the fully functioning, world class studio attached to the venue. Scene veteran Dave Baird serves as the in-house manager, producer and mentor of the space, allowing out-of-towners to stop in for a quick session with all of the details already taken care of. Whether you’ve got music on your mind or you’re just plain thirsty, Mantra is definitely worth checking out if you’re in the neighbourhood.
MORRIS HOUSE LIVE COMEDY goes down at their Basement Comedy Club. An electric neon-lit space that draws inspiration from the legendary comedy clubs of New York City, it’s the perfect place to catch your next favourite act. FAMOUS FOR their recent Arj Barker residency, which saw the ARIA Award-winner and Australia’s favourite inherited comic bringing his set to Morris House from July 18. INFAMOUS FOR their Sunday Long Lunches, which take place every week from noon. With house-made focaccia and classic beef wellington served with red wine jus, complemented by an abundance of sides, you’ll be so full you’ll have to roll home. Æ The CBD’s newest four-storey gem, Morris House, is here, it’s got beer, and it’s set to take Melbourne’s pub scene by storm. Formerly known as the European Bier Café, this iconic venue has just swung its doors open after a $4 million transformation. With a capacity to host a whopping 550 guests across its four revitalised levels, Morris House is the ultimate hotspot for all things fun and fabulous. The cherry on top? The rooftop - a lush oasis boasting a retractable roof - provides a leafy-green escape where you can savour leisurely lunches, dusk cocktails, and latenight revelry, regardless of the season. With exposed brick walls and moody lighting, their Basement Comedy Club sets the stage for uproarious performances by local talents and headline acts every Friday and Saturday night, with the famed Arj Barker having kicked off his residency on July 18. Melbourne’s foodies are in for a real treat, thanks to the masterful menu crafted by Executive Chef Christian Abbott. From the delectable baked camembert with confit garlic and rosemary to the heavenly boozy New York cheesecake with Manhattan jelly, every dish is a delightful journey of taste. On the ground floor, the revamped dining room welcomes guests with plush leather booths and a chic marble bar conveniently positioned off the bustling city sidewalk. It’s the perfect spot for a laid-back mid-week lunch or your post-work knockoff drinks. Meanwhile, the level one bar and terrace offer a cozy setting with booth seating and a splendid view of Exhibition Street, setting the scene for soulful live music every Friday and $16 Negronis coupled with smooth Jazz every Thursday. WHERE:
WHERE:
32
10A CAMPBELL ST, YARRAVILLE
OPEN:
120 EXHIBITION ST, MELBOURNE SEVEN DAYS, 11:30 AM–LATE
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