MELBOURNE | Hail Lilith is a small Footscray bar, hidden in Maiden Square, just behind Leeds Street. It’s named for Lilith, a goddess/demon from Mesopotamian and Judaic mythology, thought to be the first wife of Adam. Banished from the Garden of Eden for her refusal to be subservient to Adam, Lilith is one of the earliest examples in literature of a women demonised for her unwillingness to conform and obey.
In that vein, Hail Lilith is an accepting welcoming place. Staff are friendly, and it’s a judgment-free venue. The space is dark, with red lighting, plenty of iconography, and great, loud music. It all combines to create quite a vibe.
The focus of the menu is on bourbon-based cocktails and a 100% vegan, plant-based menu. To drink, it’s on-theme cocktails that hit the spot. Try the signature “Hail Lilith”, a blend of bourbon, vanilla vodka, pomegranate juice, and a black cherry syrup. Also try the ‘Vamp Blood’, a house take on the classic, Bloody Mary.
To eat, it’s a selection of snacks and larger plates. Those who are triggered by the words “plant-based”, will be happy to know that chef Tania Murdocco’s menu features food that everyone can enjoy. There’s food that’s inherently vegan, like crispy lemon, rosemary, and confit garlic new potatoes; baked gnocchi with ‘nduja cream; and beetroot labne with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pepperberry, and ciabatta. There’s also things like soy-based buffalo ‘wings’; v2 patty burgers; and watermelon tartare with capers, shallots, yolk, and lavosh. It’s all very tasty stuff.
Keep an eye out on Hail Lilith’s socials for details on events and pop-ups each week. There’s free fortnightly burlesque shows, Sunday brunch every two weeks, and things like “paint and sin” art classes.
Hail Lilith
40A Leeds Street
Footscray
Victoria 3011
Australia
Telephone: n/a
E-mail: n/a
Website
Open
Wed – Fri: 4:00pm to 11:00pm
Sat: 2:00pm to 11:00pm
Sun: 2:00pm to 9:00pm