Murmur

The Look: Murmur’s converted warehouse is an exercise in slightly gritty glamour. Chesterfields and chandeliers cohabit with peeled-back paint and exposed brickwork in a way that just says: Melbourne.
The vibe: Low-key and unpretentious. A haven for sophisticated drinkers, you won’t find any 18-year-old club bunnies here.
To drink: Cocktails are a point of pride here and the list doesn’t disappoint. But rather than flaunting every new fangled infusion, the focus is still very much on combinations that hit the C-spot. Unsurprisingly, the spirit selection is also strong: try a rum, whiskey or tequila tasting plate ($20 each) featuring a selection of premium samples paired with flavour-enhancing nibbles.
To eat: Instant snacks like olives and chips.
The crowd: Drink enthusiasts in their mid-20s to 30s who like the good stuff without stuffiness.
The soundtrack: During the week, it’s conversation-friendly acid jazz, reggae and chilled-out tunes. Saturday night amps up the volume with regular guest DJs playing rap and hip-hop.
Best for: The intimacy of the venue suggests romantic encounters but maybe make it an early evening tryst. Murmur is pretty compact and when the bar fills up you might find yourself shouting like a deaf pensioner.

By Marinella Padula

Address: 17 Warburton Lane, Melbourne
Phone: 9640 0395
Open: Monday – Saturday