What to Expect from Arlechin, Guy Grossi's New Laneway Wine Bar

A vibrant laneway culture might be one of the things that's put Melbourne on the map, but if you've explored the dingier corners of the city, you'll know that some of our laneways have more in the way of creepy corners and bin stench, than of hip, hidden bars.

One lane that used to be in this aesthetically-challenged camp is Mornane Place, which runs along the back of Bourke Street's Grossi Florentino, Pellegrini's, and Ombra. But the future's now looking bright for this little thoroughfare, thanks to a bit of TLC from its neighbours, some improvements facilitated by the City of Melbourne's Love Your Laneway program, and best of all, the addition of its own laneway bar.

The Grossi team took over this petite space across from their back door during last year's renovations, popped in some shelves, and have been using it as a cellar to house their wine collection. But now that the exterior is being spruced up with new lighting, street art, and pavement repairs, the space is set to do double time as a cosy wine bar called Arlechin.

Punters can expect a warm, moody drinking spot, with plenty of intimate date-night corners and walls filled to the brim with bottles. There'll be an oft-changing wine list, clever reinventions of some classic cocktails, and a food menu that lends itself just as well to snacking as to feasting. And best of all, you won't have to pick your way down a smelly laneway to find it.

Until then, this is as much as we get:

Arlechin is set to open early April in Mornane Place, Melbourne CBD.