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There’s no denying the hospitality industry is in a state of flux at the moment. Closures over the past few weeks have included such stalwarts as The Everleigh, Bar Margaux and The Quiet Man, a 27 year old pub widely considered to have one of the best pints of Guinness in Melbourne (who appropriately had their last service yesterday, on St. Patrick’s Day).
Another venue I was sorry to see go was Enoteca Zingara on Brunswick St, where I often stopped for an early evening cichetti and glass of something cold. That disappointment was short-lived though, upon hearing who had taken over the lease.
Belinda Linton and Luke Kelly are a hospitality industry power couple. They both worked at the aforementioned Everleigh, with Luke running the bar and Belinda as venue manager. Luke also has such venerable institutions as Apollo Inn, Mjolner and Mr West on his resume, where he honed his beer knowledge, and Belinda has most recently been found at the Black Pearl but also has a solid wine background thanks to stints at Congress and Napier Quarter. Basically, it's in good hands.
Pendant Public Bar will be “a neighbourhood bar that feels like it's been here for years,” says Belinda, taking advantage of their varied expertise to offer “classic cocktails of the highest quality, an inspired yet approachable wine list, and a considered spirit collection with a lean towards single malts. Good music and a comfortable atmosphere, something for all.”
They won’t be offering food, providing a watering hole stop off for those sampling Fitzroy’s diverse culinary delights. The design inspiration is old Irish pub meets balmy New Orleans cocktail bar.
This broad approach seems to be a bit of a trend at the moment, with more venues refusing to be categorised as a purely cocktail, wine or specific spirit destination. “With people having to be so cautious of how and where they spend their money, it just doesn't make sense to niche-out on one part of the offering anymore,” says Belinda. “There's precious few of us who can afford to sit on cocktails all night, so guests definitely drove the need for more options.
“It's a win for us all that we've got so many experienced folk opening great venues, who are putting passion and energy into making sure no part of their offering is an afterthought. Our idea has been in the works for the better part of a decade but has definitely been casualised a lot – due to both the public's drinking trends and to our own feelings on what's now important, which is why we're placing such a big focus on comfort and atmosphere.
“There's definitely room for some bigger ideas down the track but part of the reason for not pigeon-holeing ourselves is so that if guests steer the vision a certain way it's not such a sharp turn from where we started. In saying that, we're confident in what we're creating and believe it'll be well received.”
They are part of a wave of bartender-owned spots that feel like drinking at your mate’s place, but with a much better drinks offering — places like The Elysian Whisky Bar, Tiny Bar, Bar Bellamy, and Caretaker’s Cottage (not to mention Goodwater, of course).
“We'd like to think it's a conscious choice from guests about where to spend their money, who to support,” Belinda says. “The energy of an owner-operated venue is something that just can't be achieved in the groups. Plus, it'll never stop being ‘cool’ to know the owner! As for the wave, we're simply growing into a good era: all the talented folk moulded by some iconic venues have stayed in the industry long enough to get their own thing off the ground. We feel really optimistic about hospitality overall.”
As for advice for anyone on the frontline looking to move into ownership? “Buy a lot of power tools!” she says. Jokes aside, Belinda thinks it's never too early to start taking notice and asking questions. “Things you learned 10, 15 years earlier will still apply. If you're one year into a front of house role but you want to learn about cost of goods and forecasting – just ask. The right people will not only support you but be stoked that you want to learn. Be confident enough in yourself to make mistakes too. Be direct and polite with everyone you interact with along the way – trades, reps, industry leaders, how you start those relationships early on will matter when you get to the pointy end.”
With owners and venues such as this proliferating, the future looks bright.
Pendant Public Bar is scheduled for opening at 334 Brunswick St, Fitzroy in late April or early May.
Around the Bars
- Talking of excellent owner-operated neighbourhood bars, Bar Bellamy got the recognition it deserves taking out People’s Choice at the Time Out Awards last night. They’re not resting on their laurels though, having taken over another spot on the Rathdowne Street strip – stay tuned for more information on Melitta Next Door soon.
- The Trader House group has partnered with much lauded distillery Sullivans Cove distillery for a barrel pick. This Tasmanian whisky is very hard to get a hold of, but this bottle will be available across their venues for anyone wanting to experience what the fuss is all about. This bottling is classic Sullivans Cove, a 15 year old American Oak cask with lashings of tropical fruit, a little funk and decadent texture. At Apollo Inn, you can even have it in a Manhattan (one of the best I’ve ever had) or an oolong tea spiked highball.
- If you find yourself out in Blackburn, make sure to check out Natural Selection, an all Australian bottle shop and neighbourhood bar bringing curated good booze to the burbs.
