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Silly season is just around the corner, and just in time for summer, Melbourne's pub scene has scored a new waterside addition – complete with a 160-seat terrace and top-tier views of the Yarra. The new Bellevue Bar and Terrace officially opened on Friday, October 30 – taking over a prime stretch of Crown's Riverwalk. The new indoor-outdoor venue is all set for morning coffees, leisurely lunches, after-work drinks and late-night sessions. Here’s what we know so far about the new venue.
As the name suggests, the centrepiece here is the Riverside Terrace – a huge leafy space stretching across the full width of the venue, with patterned canopies and curved banquettes overlooking the Yarra. Inside, we can expect warm timber detailing, classic brickwork, marble-look bars and softly lit interiors.
In the kitchen, Executive Chef Gary Lai (whose previous experience includes Amber in Hong Kong, The Atlantic at Crown and Saint in St Kilda) has put together a modern Aussie pub menu that follows the seasons – pairing pub faves with a few more adventurous additions. Highlights include burrata with orange jam and pickled fennel, crab and prawn spaghetti, harissa-spiced half chicken and a hand-crumbed chicken schnitzel served with parmesan, pepperberry jus and salt-and-vinegar fries.
For something a little more leisurely, Bellevue also offers a daily long lunch from 11am to 4pm. The three-course sharing menu costs $95 per person and includes dishes such as Hiramasa kingfish crudo, crab and prawn spaghetti, porterhouse steak and cherry frangipane pavlova.
Behind the bar, we'll find a solid cocktail list, local wines and cold beers. There's also a mini Martini flight every Monday – featuring three vodka, gin or mixed Martinis with a selection of garnishes. Sold.
And then there's the entertainment. Live music, DJs and vinyl sets run from Thursday to Sunday, and the venue's big screens will broadcast everything from footy and tennis to Formula 1. Bellevue also holds a 3am licence, meaning the riverside terrace can keep the good times rolling well beyond sunset. Plus, every second Sunday, the venue will host Sunday Spritz Sessions – with live music and an on-site sketch artist ready to create guest portraits for anyone ordering more than one Spritz between 3pm and 7pm.
Bellevue Bar and Terrace is open now at 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank. You can find out more and book over here.
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