Thought laid-back Harlow was just another spot on Church Street for beer, bands and a game of pool? Think again. Kicking off on May 20, the Richmond pub is transforming into 'Disco Island': a summery oasis that will teleport you to the Greek Islands with Mediterranean-inspired food and cocktails, bottomless brunches and even disco-themed drag shows. If winter makes you miserable, we can't think of a better remedy.
Green thumbs will be bringing in native Greek Island plants like fuschia pink bougainvillea, while plenty of summery aesthetics and disco balls will add to the mood-lifting vibes. There'll even be a cute lil' Instagram opportunity if you're a sucker for a great snap.
But the important question is, of course, what's to eat? In keeping with the theme, you'll spot a number of Hellenic items on the menu. Start with dolmades and chargrilled lamb skewers with tzatziki and crunchy chickpeas. Grilled flatbread is paired with a roasted French onion dip, pumpkin and crisp onion medley. For something more substantial, sink your teeth into a proper schnitty with a traditional Greek salad on the side.
The bottomless brunch menu, which runs on weekends, turns the heat up a notch. Gorge on succulent chargrilled lamb souvas, baklava waffles with vanilla ice cream and pistachio crumbs, lobster and prawn mornay rolls (with boozy sauce, caviar and potato gems), cheeseburgers or bacon and egg sangas. It's obviously not strictly Greek but when you're hungry and having this much fun, who cares?
The weekend drag show performances will showcase the very best renditions of disco and ABBA classics, so prepare for loads of belly laughs and bawdy belters.
There’s a drinks menu to match with special Disco Island cocktails, a range of Spritzes, Moon Dog fizzers, house wine and beers. Anticipate four exclusive cocktails over the winter activation, including a Lemonopita (vodka, frangelico, vanilla, citrus), Vasilopita (vodka, pomegranate, hibiscus, basil), Rizogalo (shiraz, brandy, spices, fresh fruit) and Milopita (fireball, spice rum, citrus).
The only bad thing about this Disco Island business is that when you walk back out onto the chilly streets of Melbourne, you'll fall back down to Earth with a thud as you remember it's still winter. And nope, life is not an ABBA musical.
The bottomless brunch sessions run from 11:30am and 2pm on Saturdays, and 12pm on Sundays. Two hours of bottomless drinks and exclusive brunch items are included at $79 per head. Harlow's Disco Island will run all winter long. Make a booking here.
