Welcome to our end of year series of interviews with the people behind the award-winning bars from this year’s Boothby Best Bars Awards program. Next up, Luke Kelly and Belinda Linton, owners of Pendant Public Bar in Fitzroy, Melbourne, which was awarded the Best New Bar presented by Angel’s Envy at the 2025 Boothby Best Bars Victoria Awards in September.
Pendant Public Bar already feels like it has been here a long time, thanks to its lived-in, comfortable vibe. This Brunswick Street newcomer opened in May and is a neighbourhood cocktail bar but with a pub front bar feel; it has quickly become part of the local hospo scene’s regular rotation. The cocktails here are as good as you get anywhere — co-owners Belinda Linton and Luke Kelly have The Everleigh on their resumes — and you’ll be able to sip on those while you wait for a well poured Guinness. They’ve also got a short and sharp range of signature cocktails, with their Czech Spritz landing at 23 on the Boothby Top 50 Drinks of the Year this year.
Below, Luke and Belinda talk to us about what is working with their business right now, which classic cocktails perform best for them, and what they’re looking forward to in 2026.
