The rumour was that the crew from
Section 8 were opening another bar, basically looking down over Section 8 from the building next door. Known for its 'Melbourneness' and quirkiness, Section 8 serves drinks out of the side of a caravan to patrons who lounge on shipping containers plonked in a disused city laneway lot. So I had imagined
Ferdydurke (Levels 1 & 2, 239 Lonsdale Street) to have a similarly grungy style.
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| Tattersalls Lane from Ferdydurke |
Not so. Entering from Tattersalls Lane via a couple of staircases chock-a-block with strong, bright wall art, you emerge (a little puffed) into a clean and surprisingly light, brick and wood-based bar, reminiscent of Scandinavian design and art studio galleries. Manned by cool and moody-looking staff, the bar appears well-stocked and runs the length of most of the main room. A few tables grace the Lonsdale Street side, and a raised mixing desk area overlooks the main room and entryway, and also backs onto a hidden nook on the Section 8 side, accessed via a private-looking (but open to patrons) side room with benches and low lamps. And for those who have requested a review of the lighting: it's quite warm and dim, therefore quite flattering!
The view through the DJ area gave a warm silhouette that I liked:
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| Mixing 'stage' |
I've been here a couple of times and have always had trouble hearing conversation. The music is good and not overly loud (at least, not until later) but there always seems to be lots of white noise at this bar - but whether that's a good or bad thing probably depends on your preferences!
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| Ceiling of side room |
We were at Ferdydurke on a Saturday night and it got pretty crowded while we were there. The bouncers tried hard to look intimidating, but there was no queue and we walked through without a hitch. There was a surprising amount of men here (take note, single ladies!) - mostly milling around, trying to look cool. Some actually were cool. It's not a massive bar, so it was a bit of a mission to get to get drinks or reach the loos, but that's not so terrible if it means you have to brush past a honey or two. ;)
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| Side room with benches |
Downstairs is a smoking 'deck' that directly overlooks Section 8. Beware if you don't like heights or get vertigo; it's basically a holey cage off the side of the building - but sturdy! The toilets are on the same level and are an odd concoction of little rooms, his 'n' hers, a bar table and a cushioned waiting bench. Party in the loos, anyone?!
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| Section 8 from Ferdydurke |
Ferdydurke is a neat little bar, hopefully destined for a long life due to its cool vibe, great location and proximity to Section 8, Chinatown and Touche Hombre.
