Address: 6-10 Roukai Lane, Britomart
Rating:
First drinks: Were from the new whisky lovers' cocktail list called The Little Sazerac. We couldn't go past the idea of slowly sipping an Old Fashioned this chilly autumn evening, perfectly smoky, finished with a big berg of ice. The Strawberry and Balsamic Smash was our second pick, and came with a strong vinegar kick. The cocktails took a while to come to the table, but we understand these delicious drinks take time.
The vibe is: Really hip, almost reminiscent of some of our favourite Melbourne bars. The cobblestones underfoot, dark timber tones and outdoor fireplace give this laneway establishment a lot of warmth and charm, drawing us back.
It smells of: Food, beverages, sometimes aftershave and a hint of smokers sucking up their tobacco outdoors. We didn't mind this aromatic mix at all.
On the stereo: Groovy jazz beats play until the live music kicks off, Wednesday through to Sunday evenings. Check out the Orleans website for the line-up, featuring sounds like blues, R&B, soul and jazz.