Melbourne Patron

New: Arbory Bar and Eatery, Flinders Walk, Melbourne When I heard Arbory Bar and Eatery had opened along one side of Flinders Street Station, I was surprised that I'd managed to skip any pre-launch hype about it. (a) A new bar, (b) in such a central location, and (c) such a big venue - how had I missed this?! But no matter. I was able to get along and check it out only two weeks after opening. Redeemed. Drinks with a river view So - this place is pretty cool. Arbory (Flinders Walk, Melbourne) runs the length of the old Sandridge platform (up to 150 metres, depending on which source you believe), along the river side of Flinders Street Station. The Sandridge railway line, which went to what is now Port Melbourne, ran for 133 years from 1854. Since it was decommissioned in 1987, its dedicated Flinders platform had been left terribly sad and unused. Flinders Street Station backs onto one length of Arbory The combined powers of  Metro Trains and the HQ Hospita...

A former colleague of mine decided to celebrate her birthday with Sunday afternoon drinks on a long weekend. Drinks in the sun... with fabulous friends... and a Monday Public Holiday to recover... Hell, don't mind if I do! The birthday girl specified the Belgian Beer Garden as the venue, without realising that (a) there is another Belgian Beer Cafe  at Southbank, or that (b) the St Kilda Road venue that she meant had recently changed its name. Once it had all been clarified, she and about 20 guests found ourselves gathered at what is now known as the Village Brasserie (557 St Kilda Road, Melbourne).  It's a fantastic beer garden. Huge, set among neat lawns and tall shady trees, with long wooden benches, umbrellas, and a long, well-manned bar; all under the pleasant backdrop of a historic building that houses the restaurant. According to the website, the entire venue is under development with the aim of "expanding and creating a village with many new, exciti...