Tucked away beneath Melbourne institution, Punch Lane, is Juliet Melbourne, a semi-hidden basement venue that’s new but feels as if it’s been there forever.
A pink neon lures drinkers and diners in from the street, down the stairs and past the signature red lantern into a welcoming space that caters for up to 100 guests. Bottles line the walls – and this is as practical as it is decorative for wine is a big focus here – and the carefully curated menu champions female winemakers, spirit-makers and producers. Bespoke, hand blown chandeliers add warmth to the space and guests can sink into Danish chairs and couches, a comfortable place to while away the hours.
Currently highlighted is maker Corrina Wright from McLaren Vale, who has four wines on the list under the label Oliver’s Taranga, each made from grapes from her family’s longstanding vineyard.
“The hospitality industry is one where women often do not receive the recognition they deserve. Our goal is to showcase their hard work and evolve our menu over time so those who visit Juliet will get to sample and learn about an array of local and international female-created products, and – if they get their timing right – maybe even meet the maker,” says owner, Martin Pirc.
Cocktails are a focus too, popular choices are the delicate and fresh-flavoured Elderflower Vespa – white light vodka, cocchi americano, St Germain elderflower, orange and lemon, and Juliet’s take on an Old Fashioned, with Espolon Reposado tequila, agave, chocolate bitters and grapefruit.
The menu, by chef Gabriel Alonso focuses on sharing and is designed to complement the drinks offering. The series of small plates with big flavours includes South Australian pan-fried sardines with a herbed remoulade; vitello tonnato with anchovies, fermented black garlic, quail eggs and olives; soffrito, caciocavallo and parmesan stuffed zucchinis finished with truffle pecorino. The dry age meat cabinet is something Gabriel has been treating the guest to on demand.
Naturally, cheese is an important part of the offering and is led by the king of cheese, a signature raclette, that’s melted and freshly shaved at the table.
Pirc’s aim was to create a considered space that as well as being holding bar for his busy restaurant, Punch Lane, will become a destination in its own right and most importantly be able to be curated to suit the client for a wide range of private events such as for book readings, birthday parties, jazz events and functions of all persuasions: a uniquely Melbourne space.
“We’ve made it as welcoming as possible and seen it be enjoyed by many different groups – from couples on dates to corporates who want to book it out in its entirety.
“It’s the sort of place where you could imagine F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway speaking in hushed tones by the fireplace, or, fast-forward to groups of millenials Snapchatting and dancing into the early hours,” adds Pirc.
“Storytelling is the most powerful way to put ideas into the world today” ~ Robert McKee 1
