MELBOURNE | Gerald’s Bar, which originally opened on Rathdowne Street in 2006, holds a special place in many a Melburnian’s heart. For me, it’s always been a place that I visited on a whim, usually with Lauren, after heading to or from somewhere else.
More often than not, the unplanned decision to pop in and have “just one”, would turn into a longer session. One of wine discovery, snacks, and chats about anything and everything with staff and patrons. It’s the kind of place that anyone would want as their local.
Gerald’s 1.0 closed its doors in October, and reopened last week in the space formerly occupied by Enoteca Sileno, and The Rising Sun Hotel before that. The first thing you notice when you enter Gerald’s 2.0 is that the space is much bigger. The front bar fits 100 patrons, with stools lined along a large, curved bar, and banquet seating. There’s a more formal dining space behind this, and a courtyard at the rear. Upstairs, you’ll find a function space.
The space is filled with an assortment of paraphernalia that Gerald Diffey and co-owner Mario Di Ienno have acquired over the years. Much of what was on display in the old space, returns. Murano grape cluster lights, and other fittings from the Enoteca Sileno days have also been retained. The venue might be “new”, but it already feels lived-in.
Leading the kitchen is Matt Podbury and long-time Gerald’s chef Pete Savage. They’ve been given free reign to create a menu of snacks and larger plates that reflects what they like, the heritage of the neighbourhood, the space, and Gerald’s. The quail scotch egg with Cumberland sauce is a must try. So to, the Raffa Fields asparagus with yeast hollandaise (a by-product from the house-made bread making process). For larger plates, the Noojee Rainbow trout served in smoked butter sauce, with trout roe; and the tender aged dairy cow sirloin with broad beans and macadamia, are great.
Drinks wise, it’s the same sort of thing going on as the old place. A very nice selection of interesting wines from around the world, local beers, and classic cocktails. Whatever people order first, and what Gerald’s enjoying drinking, inform the wine by the glass list, to great effect.
It’s only been a week, but Gerald’s 2.0 feels like its hasn’t missed a beat. As for the old space, chef and Gerald’s Bar regular, Audrey Shaw, is reopening it soon, with Gerald’s blessing, as Bar Carnation.
Gerald’s Bar
920 Lygon Street
Carlton North
Victoria 3054
Australia
Telephone: (03) 9349 4748
E-mail: n/a
Website
Open
Mon – Wed: 4:00pm to 11:00pm
Thu: 4:00pm to 12:00am
Fri – Sat: 12:00pm to 12:00am
Sun: 12:00pm to 11:00pm