A Melbourne speakeasy bar set inside an historic heritage-listed building in the CBD is what sets Mill Place Merchants in a league of its own.
You’ll find the elegant bar on Mill Place – off Flinders Lane between Elizabeth and Queen Street, Melbourne.
Run by seasoned hospitality venue owner Paawan Engineer [he also owns the Cuff cafe nearby], starting a cocktail bar inside a 200-year-old bluestone building felt like an opportunity he couldn’t miss.
Paawan Engineer spoke to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
Melbourne laneway culture, thriving with small bespoke hospitality and retailers is the best part about our City. Random laneways can have some incredible venues that we have probably never heard of, but become favourites for year to come. The history of the city is etched in these little streets. Sport – a very close second. It really puts our city on the map, internationally.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
Cumulus Inc’s Octopus, Olive and Kipfler Potato has been a favourite. It’s a perfect balance of texture and flavours. It’s a very simple dish, but very thoughtfully put on the plate.
FAVOURITE BAR
Above Board is my favourite bars in Melbourne, I respect places where basics and consistency are paramount. If I am drinking early evenings, it’s either a Negroni or Americano and late evenings is a Whiskey Sour. I generally order the same drinks everywhere I go, as it gives me a good gauge of the technique used.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
Old Fashioned. It’s simple, but balanced.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
For food, a good noodle soup with tons of soy, has always done it for me. For Drink, Ukon No Chikara, a classic Japanese hangover drink, before a big night out has worked well too.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
Mary Mary in Salamanca Hobart is a beautiful bar. Old world charm, good cocktails, good setup.
OVERSEAS BAR
In Beijing, an area called Sun Li Tun, has close to 30 incredible bars from about 3 to 50 seats. Janes + Hooch is one of those bars. Incredible fit-out, amazing cocktails. Worth a visit. And another I love is Curator in Makati, Philippines, deservedly one of the best bars in the world. Visited when it had just open and knew it would reach good heights.
FAVOURITE WINE
Bijou Bottle Store is an excellent concept, typical Melbourne style, petite and to the point.
FAVOURITE WINERY
Rockford Wines, SA. The Basket Pressed Shiraz is sensational and the whole winery is engulfed in rich history.
NEXT DESTINATION
Iceland or Argentina
