MELBOURNE | Options for a quality alcoholic tipple in Hawthorn East tend to be focused around beer and wine. Recent openings have upped the game for both, but cocktail options have been lacking. Enter, recently opened cocktail bar, Lieu Privé, which I was recently invited to.
Owner Ari, a local, opened Lieu Privé after travelling around Asia and visiting several of the region’s top cocktail bars. She wanted to recreate what she loved about those bars, in her own neighbourhood, so set about opening a bar with her mum. Housed in and old shop with a residence upstairs, you’ll find four distinct spaces at Lieu Privé, with an outdoor courtyard coming soon.
Each intimate space is designed to evoke a different mood. The ‘Room of Memories’ is the place for quiet conversation, while the ‘Room of Desires’ is perfect for a date night. The ‘Room of Thoughts’ encourages guests to slow down, while the main bar, the ‘Copper Room’ leans towards groups and social nights.
You’re greeted with a shot on arrival, which differs depending on the room you’re in. A selection of face-down cards help guide you towards your first drink, and if that’s not your jam, there’s a regular menu at hand. Ari is an ebullient host, full of passion, and always happy to have a chat, guide you through the menu, and explain what Lieu Privé is all about.
I really enjoyed the smoky ‘Mezcal Me Later’, featuring charred pineapple and jalapeno-infused Illegal Mezcal, agave, and lime. I also tried a creation paired with a sage ‘joint’ designed to be smoked before taking a sip of your cocktail, that was a great flavour and sensation pairing.
To eat, its things like cheese and charcuterie platters, chicken dumplings, mushroom croquettes, and booze-infused ice-cream. Many dishes features Asian and Indian flourishes, designed by Ari’s mum, who hails from India. Be sure to try the ‘Bombay Milan’ crispy flatbread.
Lieu Privé
602 Burwood Road
Hawthorn East
Victoria 3123
Australia
Telephone: 0415 620 041
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Sun, Wed – Thu: 6:00pm to 11:00pm
Fri – Sat: 6:00pm to 1:00am