Alumbra

The Look: A little bit Buddha Bar comes to Melbourne via Ibiza and Morocco. And you certainly can’t accuse the designers of simply relying on bay vistas to pull the stick-drinkers. Candy striped carpeting, serene deities and a light-box bar are just a few of the fixtures adorning Alumbra’s new, improved playhouse.
To drink: Sure, you can opt for something delivered straight from the bottle but it’s the kind of place that goes best with a cocktail. Drinks like the Alumbra Breeze with coconut liqueur, pear and cranberry should help you forget about the Docklands gale.
To eat: Alumbra’s kitchen fare ranges from bush-tucker wontons to crab cakes and cheese plates.
Bar Soundtrack: Weekend tunes are supplied by the bar’s roster of guest DJs and supplemented by live music sessions on Sundays.
Best for: Whilst perfectly winter-proof, the look and locality suggest summertime fun, so expect the throngs to flock when hemlines rise.

By Marinella Padula

Address: Shed 9, Central Pier, 161 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands
Phone: 8606 4444
Open: Wednesday – Sunday