So we're talking to the bartender, who proceeds to let us know that this boutique cocktail bar, attached Power Rangers-style to the Waterside Hotel at the bottom of Flinders Street, used to be accommodation for Melbourne's less fortunate elderly bachelors. You've gotta wonder where they are now - guess they couldn't afford the Mai Tais. It's a fun list at Galley Room - they do all their own syrups and bitters and serve their Dark'n'Stormy in Goslings cans from the US. Cool. The drinks are all naval themed with everything from rum punches from the 1800s to modern interpretations such as the Up Periscope - a pear-and-cinnamon take on a Pisco Sour.
The room is like a corporate vision of a tiki bar - more evident in touches like the carved heavy wooden columns than plastic lobsters and frangipanis. Big, dark Chesterfield sofas line the room, though there's plenty of room to sit at the bar for a chat if that's more your speed. We'd suggest visiting on a Friday or Saturday night if you dig on a lively bar, though early on a Thursday guarantees you the undivided attention of the talented bartenders. Thar be cocktails.