MELBOURNE | Bear’s Wine Bar is a new North Melbourne wine bar, the latest venue helping to spark the renaissance in the suburb’s food and drink scene that been occurring over the past few years. I paid them a visit a few weeks ago to get some photos for What’s On Melbourne, followed by a convenient catch up with friends as a punter.
Bear’s is owned by North Melbourne local Austin Kangket and sommelier Nathan Schofield, who he became mates with when they worked together at Supernormal. It’s a charming old heritage building, with timber floors and furnishings, exposed dark brick walls and warm lighting. Both the space, and Austin and Nathan’s hospitality, create a warm, welcoming environment.
It’s the kind of bar that’s fitting of the term “local gem”. When I visited there was a diverse crowd of young friends, older couples, and families with children – a true cross section of the neighbourhood. It didn’t take long for me to be quite enamoured with the place.
There’s a rotating selection of house cocktails on the menu, made using craft spirits, with classics available on request. The ‘Cherry Cola’ that’s currently on the menu is a mix of Arette tequila, cherry, citrus, and cola, and is brilliant. You’ve also got the option of a handful of smaller, keenly priced cocktails if you just want a little nip.
There’s a thoughtful selection of wines, focused mostly on interesting, independent producers. For beer the focus is also local, with a selection of mostly accessible beer styles on tap and in the fridges. For non-drinkers, you’ve got a solid range of booze-free options, too.
Food wise, it’s cheese and charcuterie, plus a globally influenced menu of snacky and shareable wine bar fare. Things like a confit duck croquette with aji Amarillo, and pineapple; burrata with summer plum, wasabi, and shiso; and barbecued eggplant with miso, toasted wild rice, and green chilli. On Sunday, you can go for Bear’s classic Sunday roast with all the trimmings.
Bear’s Wine Bar
502 Queensbury Street
North Melbourne
Victoria 3051
Australia
Telephone: 0403 795 574
E-mail: n/a
Website
Open
Wed – Sat: 4:00pm to 11:00pm
Sun: 2:00pm to 9:00pm