At The Bar with Apollo Inn’s Lachlan Bentley

Once inside the intimate setting of Apollo Inn, you realise you could be anywhere but on Flinders Lane; there’s a David Lynch Blue Velvet-esque mood about it, but the street art and graffiti on Hosier Lane affirms you’re in Melbourne’s crucial epicentre.

Andrew McConnell’s cocktail lounge has become the not-so-secret spot for a pre-dinner tipple, a tempter before you head home and where you grab a table to enter the dark side on your terms.

Apollo Inn’s Bar Manager Lachlan Bentley comes armed with a profound knowledge of cocktails who prior to stepping into the after hours spot, has been showcasing his skills at 33 Russell Street’s Gimlet since its inception in 2020.

Bentley has worked overseas too – from Edinburgh’s Devil’s Advocate and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in London to Fitzroy’s The Everleigh – and now takes the reins at Apollo Inn for a special kind of galactic schmooze.

Lachlan Bentley talks to The Write Drop for our At the Bar series.

MY CITY

Melbourne – the fact you can find any kind of cuisine you like at very good quality; the laidback attitude of the people and how genuine our hospitality is is what I love about it. The community aspect of Melbourne is also amazing.

FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY  

The food, particularly the seafood, available at the night markets in Georgetown, Penang is some of the best I’ve ever had. So fresh and so much flavour. A big bowl of Penang Hokkien mee and an ice cold can of Tiger and I’m set – a trip highlight.

In 2022, my partner Sally and I took a trip to South Australia, and had lunch at a restaurant called Pearl in Aldinga Beach. It’s a very casual setting, right on the beach, with dishes prepared very simply to highlight seasonality. The service was casual but informed and the food was prepared and seasoned perfectly. The sun was shining and the wine was cold.

FAVOURITE BAR  

Bar Bellamy is one of those places that just gets everything right. It’s the amazing staff, the offering, the aesthetics, the way they engage with the industry. They do an incredible job and owners Oska and Dani are incredible people. I order a cocktail every time: the list is always full of bangers.

DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
A cold lager. Refreshing, easy, no fuss.

BEST HANGOVER CURE
Spicy ramen and another beer.

BEST INTERSTATE BAR  
Sonny’s Hobart is cosy, warm, welcoming and fun. Always pouring delicious wine and offering tasty snacks. It hits all the points for me.

A HOT TIP FOR AN OVERSEAS BAR
Cambridge Public House in Paris. Beer, cocktails, food all in an old school tavern setting.

FAVOURITE WINE
I really love white wines that have both acid and texture. I enjoy trying local Fiano from different producers and order Savagnin from Jura if it’s a special occasion.

FAVOURITE WINERY -WHERE SHOULD WE VISIT THAT YOU REALLY LIKED

I love visiting Jayden Ong’s winery and cellar door in Healesville. Great Chardonnay paired with great food, all cooked outside on the barbecues or hibachi. Laid back community vibes.

NEXT DESTINATION – where and why it’s on the cards

I’m finally visiting New Zealand in April. Never been and I’ve been meaning to for ages! We’re planning to drive up the west coast of the South Island – I can’t wait.

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