Just as the Seine river divides Paris into its left and right banks, Melbourne’s Yarra river has distinctly different north and south banks. The south side is aptly named Southgate. It is the home of high end hot posts such as the Langham hotel, Artusi, Fatto, Red Emperor, Tutto Bene, just to name a few, and it is just a stone’s throw away from the Arts Centre. Across the river it’s another story. For many decades, there has just been Flinders Street train station. But as of 2 weeks ago, a new dining and drinking destination has literally been stopping people in their tracks. And the view from ‘northbank’ is simply breath-taking.

Running parallel to the train tracks, Arbory Bar & Eatery is a newly decked out alfresco bar that has replaced an old and unused train line. Talk about upcycling! Rich foliage from plane trees overhang to provide a natural canopy for the outdoor bar, hence it’s name. At 150 metres long, it’s a great way to appease your pedometer (or walk off dessert) if you walk from one end to the other, a few times.

Just like friendships, good things take time. Arbory Bar & Eatery has been a project in the making for 4 years. It is a collaboration between Metro and the HQ group (who brought us Coffee HQ stalls).  I had the pleasure of attending the Arbory Bar & Eatery launch last night with friends. These are the very friends I used to commute to Flinders station with! If you told me back then that one day we’d be sitting outside the train station, sipping Rosé, tasting oysters and watching the sunset, I would have laughed in your face. But here we are…

Whether it’s a casual drink, a leisurely lunch, or a lazy dinner, you can “slow down” and “stay awhile” at Arbory Bar & Eatery. It’s perfect for catchups and wind downs after work, and on weekends. The convenient location and stunning river side views are major draw cards. Although I can’t promise that there will be fireworks every night, Arbory does promise fine food, fine drinks and fine views. Just need to BYO fine company!