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MELBOURNE | Located down the Windsor end of Chapel Street, LOVER is a bar and restaurant from brothers Will and James Newton, who also owned the venue that used to occupy this space – Uncommon. Unlike the light and day focused Uncommon, LOVER is a dark, night time affair. Recycled timber and large curtains adorn the walls, with the dark floor, ceiling and, furniture adding to the evening lounge type mood. We were recently invited to visit the revamped space.
Cocktails are the focus at LOVER, and the menu features a number of takes on the gin and tonic and negroni, along with several other house specialties. Classic cocktails aren’t listed on the menu but are available if you ask. Try LOVER’s take on an espresso martini, the ‘Uncommon Espresso’, which combines vodka, coffee liquer, pineapple syrup and chocolate bitters with a topping of toasted marshmallow and coconut foam. Also tasty is the coconut elderflower margarita, with 1800 coconut tequila, St Germain elderflower liqueur, lime, and toasted agave nectar.
For beer there’s a small selection of mostly local craft beer on tap and in cans/bottles. Wine wise it’s a focused selection of wines across a variety of styles, mostly from local, independent wineries.
Head chef Paul Turner (ex Donovans, Two Wrongs, Cutler & Co) has developed a menu that inspiration from around the world that also draws upon nostalgia and childhood favourites. The pretzel, a mini-roll filled with morcon salami, fermented chilli, and cheddar cheese is a fantastic way to start things off, as are the delicious stuffed zucchini flower scallops, with romesco, and salmon roe.
The popular pan-fried gnocchi with zucchini, pecorino, and lemon is a great example of simplicity and letting quality ingredients shine, as is the creamy burrata with tomato, peach, basil. The dense beef tartare with home made brioche, smoked cheese, and onion rings is another highlight.
Dessert rotates and isn’t listed on the menu – if you want something sweet ask your waiter and they’ll let you know what’s on offer that day.
LOVER
60 Chapel Street
Windsor
Victoria 3181
Australia
Telephone: (03) 9510 6655
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Tue – Thu: 5:00pm to 11:00pm
Fri – Sat: 5:00pm to 1:00am