Review: 24 Moons

Friday 14 May 2010, 12:00 PM
By The Team | Posted in Places

There is something embedded in the DNA of Melbourne bars which means they must be difficult to find. Tucked away in dark laneways, doorways guarded by overflowing bins or up several flights of lung-busting stairs, the searching and eventual discovery always makes you feel like you are one of the knowing few.

24 Moons is one of those places. Only open for six months, this AC/DC laneway bar is signposted by a saucy lass in red, pointing you in the right direction. Climbing up the stairs (thankfully there are only three flights here) and find yourself surrounded by street art and stencils before you arrive in this slick urban space, which uses natural woodland elements to soften its dark and moody interior. Two sheer screens divide the room and feature an ever-changing array of eclectic visual projections. It’s cleverly lit so that each table seems like a cosy nook – perfect for plotting the downfall of small empires… or just planning where to eat next.

This is a place for cocktail sophisticates – with 24 serious cocktails to take you through the waxing and waning of the moon. The more the moon is concealed, the greater the strength and complexity of the drink. I went straight for the Id Est (quarter moon) so even the waiter winced as I ordered it. Definitely a drink you would normally work your way up to, this smoky lapsang souchong infused cocktail made my head spin and my toes curl. Make sure you look out for their Blue Moon specials.

Creativity is almost as important as the drinks, and 24 Moons plays host to a wide and varied program of creative happenings: from spoken word and burlesque performance to live music and DJs.

Vital Stats
Take: Your paramour, sugardaddy or admirer de jour
Cocktails: $7- $19
Beers: $5-$10.50
Wines (per glass): $6-$17
Spirits: $9-$24
Snacks: $5.50-$22

Where cats like to play – and stray – in the city

Friday 5 March 2010, 3:16 PM
By The Team | Posted in Places

Discover your own tale of feline psychology and sociology on a magical prowl in Melbourne’s streets, alleys and laneways.

Name your own cat-like alter ego to coincide with memories of CATS, the musical based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T. S. Eliot, playing at the Regent Theatre from 6 March to 4 April. It’s the cat’s whiskers – especially if you get your claws free tickets (see below)!

Curious kittens and alley cats love to prowl around Melbourne’s alleys and lanes for the quintessential bar experience. Sophisti-cats in the know scamper into The Paris Cat, a cosy and laid back jazz club inspired by the 30s French bee-bop era. Smooth music will keep you purring (and off the velvet red curtains) while the menu of fine wines and cocktails will have you reminiscing about the golden era. Be tempted by the tapas or lap at a Bailey’s drizzled ball of ice cream.

Step up to the 50s and 60s at Tony Starr’s Kitten Club and ascend the stairway behind a bright green door to retro kitty heaven. Take smooth, cool cats Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr with martini in hand as inspiration then pamper in the plush powder room or soak up live jazz, comedy and cabaret in the Galaxy Space. Love cats can canoodle in the Love Lounge.

Now-cats will be enticed to the bottom of ACDC Lane to enter through the red door into the intimate surrounds of The Alley Bar. They say it’s cool for cats, it’s cool for ca-a-a-a-ats!

Empathising a bit with Grizabella, that shabby old grey cat that stumbles about? Get your glamour back, puss – venture underground into the Campbell Arcade beneath Flinders Street and get a revamp at The Cat’s Meow. This clothing store with a difference stocks Melbourne and Australian made fashions and accessories from independent designers. Texture and natural fibre loving cats love the range of one-off originals and practical every day basics with a twist.

Whether you prefer curling on a rug, watching the world from the window-sill or running around knocking over rubbish bins, you still have to keep yourself nice. Smitten Kitten is the quintessential lingerie boutique to tickle your feline fantasies. Purr your way through the many Melbourne and Australian made and designed labels and fabulously chic French frills.

WIN! We have 2 x A Reserve Tickets to CATS the Musical: Now and Forever on Tuesday 16 March, 8pm at the Regent Theatre to giveaway to one lucky cat. Simply share this page using the button below then send your name and phone number to thatsmelbourne@melbourne.vic.gov.au Entries close 5pm, Thursday 11 March. Winners will be contacted on Friday 12 March.

Now before you scat cats, let us know if there are other cool-cat hang-outs in Melbourne in the comments section below.

New Year’s Eve 2009 at European Bier Cafe

Tuesday 15 December 2009, 5:25 PM
By The Team | Posted in Events

The European Bier Cafe is living up to it’s name with a Euro style disco party. Enjoy canapes and selected cocktails along with their usual offerings (which include 12 varieties of beer on tap) while rocking to Action Sam upstairs or DJ Rowie and guests in the basement lounge.

View the event details or read more about European Bier Cafe.