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By: Lionel Bitchie
Date: 11th Jan 06
Venue: Bar
Meal: Where everybody knows your name
What:
Ellis Street Cocktail Lounge
Where:
16 Ellis St, South Yarra
When:
(The Ellis Sessions - Live Jazz)
Tuesday 6.30pm til late
Contact:
9827 4032
Although contemporary Melbourne is probably the antithesis of the prohibition era, the idea of a speakeasy is nevertheless inviting.
Ellis Street Cocktail Loungeis strictly reservation only and unless you know the exact address you will have a hard time finding it. There is no signage and the façade looks more likely to house auto-repairs than cigars, cocktails, fine wines and whiskey. However, there is something to be said for an interior that matches decadent mirrors and couches against an industrial warehouse ceiling, and unless you are a Jehovah’s Witness, there is also something rewarding about ringing a doorbell to get in to a bar.
Like Who Framed Roger Rabbit meets 1920s Chicago, Ellis Street Cocktail Lounge is an entertaining time warp with both old-school attitude and an element of intrigue. Worth checking out – even on a school night.
The Ellis Sessions, with live Jazz from local artists and special guests begin again on 17 January, but make sure you phone to book because otherwise (Jehovah’s Witness style) you will be turned away.