MELBOURNE | The Valiant is a hidden CBD cocktail bar that opened in June, completely renovated and reimagined after running for the past year and a bit as a private event space. I was recently invited in to take a look.
It’s located above a convenience store, up a set of stairs that you enter through a car park on Queen Street. Just look for the large mural by local artist Danielle Webber, and you’ve found the right place. Step inside, and you’re greeted by a stylish, dark, L-shaped space that wraps around the long, marble bar. There’s plenty of couches and plush furnishings, and floor to ceiling windows that completely open when the weather’s good. Over 400 shiny disco balls on the ceiling complete the vibe.
The Valiant is owned by Simon Kouba, the brains behind ‘Flour Child’ in St Kilda and Richmond. He joined by bar manager Elliot Dew, who brings experience working in venues in Melbourne, Brisbane, and Christchurch; and fellow Frenchman Florian Megnaud, who’s worked in bars in Melbourne, Lyon, and Monaco.
The cocktail menu features a selection of house creations inspired by the space, and the team’s travels. I’m a big fan of “By the Fireplace”, a smoky, warming concoction of bourbon, apple, cinnamon, amaro, and lime. For something bubbly, try “The Gatsby”. It’s a light mix of elderflower, lemon myrtle, verjuice, and sparkling wine. There’s the classics, of course, along with house ‘cocktail shots’, and a tidy wine and beer list.
The food menu features French-inspired snacks, some of which are quite substantial. The saucisse en croute is a moreish wagyu beef sausage roll with cheeseburger sauce, while the anchois de la mer sees marinated anchovies topped with cucmber citrus salsa, lemon herb pangrattato, and herb oil. There’s a few different focaccia sandwiches, and things like oysters and caviar.
Be sure to keep a tab on The Valiant’s daily specials, like their Thursday and Friday happy hour, date night specials, and weekend bottomless brunch.
The Valiant
412 Little Collins Street
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia
Telephone: (03) 9967 1245
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Tue – Thu: 4:00pm to 11:30pm
Fri: 3:00pm to 1:00am
Sat: 12:00pm to 1:00am