Andy Smith – co-owner and director of The Vic Hotel in Footscray spoke to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series. He also runs Seddon’s Luxsmith with his business partner Denis Lucey [Bottega] and has some fab tips for interstate wine bars to visit, and a local one you’ll find him at.
MY CITY
I live in Seddon, just a short walk from Footscray and The Vic. What I love most about where I live is the strong sense of community. It’s the kind of neighbourhood where people still say hello to each other. I’m a creature of habit, I grab my morning coffee from the same local café and often catch up with friends over a quiz and a chat before the day gets going. I also feel very lucky to have both my businesses so close by. There’s something special about being connected to the place you live and work.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
One that’s always stuck with me was when I was 18, working at my first hotel in the UK. The owner took me and the head chef to The Olympia Food Exhibition in London. During that trip, he taught me how to truly dine, not just eat. How to sit at a table, slow down, savour the food and most importantly, the company. It was about more than just great food, it was about conversation, connection, and enjoying the experience. That memory and experience have always stayed with me.
FAVOURITE BAR
Bar Josephine in Footscray. It’s open seven days a week, 365 days a year, from 1 pm. That consistency is gold, you never have to think twice about whether they’re open. Great drinks, great atmosphere. It’s a staple.
A DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
Draught beer, it’s straightforward, reliable and somewhat traditional like me.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
A very spicy Bloody Mary and a long, uninterrupted sleep.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
Leigh Street Wine Room in Adelaide. It’s located in a beautiful building, with a buzzing atmosphere and a truly interesting wine list with loads of variety. A great spot for wine lovers.
OVERSEAS BAR
Terroir in Tribeca, New York City. It’s a quirky, wine-focused bar, especially good if you like Riesling. The team there really know their stuff. They play vinyl behind the bar and have a solid snack menu. It’s one of those places where you end up staying longer than you meant to.
FAVOURITE WINE
I recently shared a bottle of 2015 Paolo Scavino Ravera Barolo from Piedmont with my business partner at his restaurant, Bottega, in Melbourne’s CBD. We were celebrating a milestone for The Vic and 15 years in business together, owning and running Luxsmith.
FAVOURITE WINERY
Giaconda in Beechworth. It’s a standout, the wines are iconic, but the winery itself is humble very pared back, which I really appreciated. The contrast between the simplicity of the experience and the grandeur of the wines was memorable.
NEXT DESTINATION
Port Douglas. I’m heading up there for some sunshine to escape Melbourne’s winter, play some golf with mates, and to properly switch off. Looking forward to some cold beers, relaxing, and trying out a couple of good restaurants while I’m there.
TELL US ABOUT THE VIC’S MENU
For me, it’s about preserving something special. They’re not building corner pubs like The Vic anymore, so there’s a responsibility to keep that tradition alive, especially through the food. Pub fare should have a sense of nostalgia but still be prepared with care and quality. We want our menu to feel familiar yet refined.
TELL US ABOUT THE UPCOMING CALLINGTON MILL WHISKY DINNER
With my background in restaurants, events like this are a no-brainer. They’re good for the pub, good for the community, and they generate an energy that keeps people interested. Collaborating with quality Australian producers like Callington Mill Distillery is something I’ve always valued. It offers new experiences to our guests and connects the dining scene with the people who shape it.
https://vichotelfootscray.com.au/whiskydinnerthevic
