Inventive cocktails and state-of-the-art loudspeakers feature at St Kilda’s sleekest new venue.
Drawing inspiration from Japanese listening lounges, Stellas will provide a sensory experience like no other with loudspeakers that double as works of art and a specialty cocktail menu to match.
Upon entering Stellas, one can’t help but do a double-take at the giant loudspeakers, designed in an exciting collaboration with Pitt & Giblin – makers of bespoke audio reproduction systems (Waxflower, Caretaker’s Cottage). Marking the first ultra-large format project for the Tasmanian duo, the sound system at Stellas is unlike anything else in Australia, with two 9-feet tall speakers clad in Blackbutt timber that are arresting in both sound and size. Gracing the decks – also designed by Pitt & Giblin, a rotating lineup of local and visiting DJs will be playing on Friday and Saturday nights when Stellas will stay open till late.
On the drinks front, signature cocktails will be the main drawcard with a seasonal focus and an inventive spin on ingredients. Headed by Bar Manager Roy Das Neves (Bouvardia, Lily Blacks), sustainability is at the forefront of his process. “I’m hoping to achieve a zero-waste policy at Stellas with a produce-driven menu that utilises every component of an ingredient in a clean and minimal way,” says Das Neves.
Celebrating native Australian ingredients in both flavour and inspiration, signature cocktails such as the Channel Orange harness bitter profiles in company with sweeter counterparts like the Amazonia and herbal varietals such as My Golden Girl. “I’m excited to showcase a menu that celebrates invention and experimentation with ingredients. Stellas is an opportunity for me to get creative behind the bar and execute recipes that I’ve been dreaming up for a while,” says Das Neves.
A selection of wines have been carefully chosen by Head Sommelier Aleks Jeremic (The Atlantic, Cunard Line), including drops from local and interstate wineries as well as a number of beers, ciders, seltzers and spirits. Victorian wineries celebrated on the list include Moorooduc Estate, Bannockburn Vineyards and Syrahmi.
As for food, a snacks menu from the Saint Hotel kitchen compliments the drinks offering. Perfect for sharing, patrons can choose from light options like house-pickled crudités and natural oysters, to more indulgent snacks such as Macedon Ranges duck croquettes, Mayura Wagyu tartare on oyster crisp, and Grana Padano choux pastries filled with mushroom duxelles and smoked parmesan espuma. A Mooloolaba prawn sando offers something more substantial, whilst charcuterie and cheese plates highlight some of the local producers Saint Hotel partners with.
Adjacent to Bar 54 on the first floor of Saint Hotel, Stellas offers a bright contrast to the moody materials palette of the sophisticated Saint Bar and Dining below. An enchanting interior of exposed brick, a Verde Alpi marble bar, and alternating levels of seating offers a more relaxed atmosphere to sit back and enjoy the music. As part of their offering, Stellas will also be taking bookings for private events outside of their normal Friday – Saturday trading.
“Stellas will offer a curated experience and a point of difference to this area. It’s not a nightclub and it’s not a bar. More so, Stellas is a place to celebrate talent – behind the decks and behind the bar” says Mrinal Beekarry, General Manager of Saint Hotel. “The talent we book will be carefully considered just as the specialty cocktail and food menus have been.”
Stellas, 54 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda at www.sainthotel.com.au
Hours of operation: Friday – Saturday, 6pm-3am
