Valhalla Is Collins Street's New Nordic-Inspired Underground Cocktail Lounge

A hefty dose of escapism now awaits beneath Melbourne CBD's Olderfleet building on Collins Street, with underground cocktail haunt Valhalla Bar opening its doors. Boasting a sleek, moody, Nordic-inspired space and a standout beverage offering, the striking basement bar is the brainchild of Work Club, an international coworking space company that's just launched its newest outpost within the same building. Here, the organisation has created a very spiffy spot for after-work hangs and late-night adventures, paired with some truly memorable libations.

The two-room space is a study in contemporary Scandi cool, with dramatic dark tones played against sleek statement light fixtures, metallic accents and leather booth seating. Brick flooring nods to the site's history, and you'll spy bespoke features like the grazing table made of azobé timber sourced from old Danish ferry wharves, handcrafted by Denmark's Thors Design.

The headline act here is the inventive cocktail list, which is infused with a Nordic sensibility, packed with Aussie spirits and heroes lots of native, locally foraged ingredients. Steered by award-winning bartender Tony Huang (Lui Bar, Cloakroom Bar), it'll see you sipping creations like the Old Guard's brandy-infused take on an old fashioned, a peach and sparkling wine concoction they've called the Loki, and the Bestla — a nuanced fusion of acidified honey, honey liqueur, cumquat gin and mint.

The physical drinks list even features profiles on some of Valhalla's favourite local spirits and liqueurs, sharing some extra insight into what's in your glass. There's also a tidy, Aussie-led wine selection, as well as a handful of beers that extends from Melbourne-made drops to imported brews including Mikkeller's Baghaven Violet.

Meanwhile, the food offering features a menu of snacks and small bites primed for those knock-off sessions. Think: roasted chickpeas, malted caramel tarts finished with wattleseed cacao crumbs, and customisable cheese and charcuterie platters showcasing top Aussie produce.

Find Valhalla in the basement of 477 Collins Street, Melbourne. It's open from 5pm till late from Tuesday to Friday.