Get a look inside Hands Down

Drinking Melbourne is the weekly newsletter from drinks writer Fred Siggins, unpacking what’s happening in Melbourne’s bars (and what you can learn from them), sent every Tuesday to your inbox. Get on the list here.

Today, Fred goes inside new Melbourne bar Hands Down, talks about a new campaign from Vic Distilled you’ll want to get involved with, and more.

Hands Down is the new venue from Dominic Xavier and Alex Boon, backed by Hayden Lambert from Above Board and Manu Potoi from Bar Liberty. Located in Greeves Street in the space just off of Smith Street Collingwood, formerly occupied by Bad Frankie, Hands Down officially opened to the public last Tuesday.

Boonie seems happy as a pig in poo behind the stick, a whirl of activity as he throws up drinks and talks guests through the menu. Dom spends most of his time on the floor, greeting newcomers, directing traffic and chatting to mates around the room.

The drinks list is tight, balanced and full of fun, including Spritzes, a signature 50/50 Martini and two frozen drinks. “Did that come straight from a slushy machine?” I ask Boonie as he grates orange zest over my frozen Margarita riff with Yellow Chartreuse. “You know it, brother!” he beams. “It’s the only way.” There are no shaken drinks on the menu at all, meaning everything comes up super quickly, and no lime juice either, because most of the year, lemons are better in Melbourne anyway.

For a smashable lager, cans of Modelo Especial are the way to go, and for snacks there are flavour-packed gildas.

The outside seating from Bad Frankie is still there, with plenty of space for smokers, al fresco drinks and furry friends.

But the inside space is pretty unrecognisable; much more open with a standing bar in the middle, lots of natural light reflected by smoky mirrors, and small tables and banquettes facing into the room. The effect is entirely convivial — it feels like an easy place to strike up a conversation, and on Friday afternoon I can see only one person on their phone.

I asked Dom how week one has been. “We’re getting there man!” he grins. “The first couple of days felt a little manic, but I think we’re finding our groove.”

As with most new openings, it’s hard to see the duck’s legs paddling frantically underwater. This place already feels like a well-oiled machine, with a feeling at once modern and old-world European. Something about it reminds me of the classic Italian venues I grew up around in Carlton in the ‘80s, and I love it. Without putting any undue pressure on a brand new venue, I think it’s safe to say this will be one of the best new openings of 2025 — hands down.

Around the Bars

Serves of the State
Serves of the State is a new campaign from Vic Distilled to promote Victorian-made spirits in bars. In partnership with leading Victorian venues, the campaign will showcase up to 180 unique cocktails, aligned to major cultural and sporting moments across Melbourne, with four campaign periods over 18 months with product discounts and PR and media coverage via campaign partners including Broadsheet and paid social amplification. Venues can also win prizes for top-selling cocktails and the opportunity for distillery experiences including visits and staff training. To participate, email vicdistilled@liquidideas.com.au and let them know you’re keen!

Shutt Up!
Shameless self promotion here, but you should join us at Goodwater on Wednesday, Nov 5th (2:00pm - 4:00pm) for a sensational lineup of whiskies and storytelling presented by John Shutt, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Michter’s, including special editions like Shenk’s Homestead, Bomberger’s Declaration and Michter’s 10 Year Bourbon & Rye. Seats are free but super limited, so email Max Borrowman at mborrowman@spiritsplatform.com.au to get your spot!

Bitter is Better
Quelvino are hosting a trade tasting of Amaro & Grappa featuring Aperitivo & Co, Trembath & Taylor, Saison and Principal Wines on October 29 (Tomorrow!) at Canopy in Collingwood, 12-4pm. More info and registration here.