Coming Soon: Afloat Is Going Greek for Its 11th Season, with Ouzo Frozen Cola, Meze and a Toast to Your Health
This floating venue has resurfaced with a Greek island-inspired makeover, complete with native wines, seasonal cocktails and meze plates.
Before the much-loved Yarra River venue Afloat hibernated for winter, the waterfront was looking a little more Rio de Janeiro than usual. Now, for its annual reinvention — its eleventh overall — the ever-changing floating bar and restaurant is adopting 'Yamas Greece' as its latest moniker, taking inspiration from the country's sun-drenched coastal colours.
With the new design guided by interior designer Emily Jamieson, this easy-breezy spot has previously channelled the spirit of other international escapes, from the Amalfi to Palm Springs. Oh, and other full-scale takeovers, from a floating Lacoste tennis court during the Australian Open to a floating showroom for the Audi Revolut F1 Team.
"The Greek Islands are home to some of the most picturesque beaches and coastlines in the world. We wanted to bring that same warmth and effortless beauty to Afloat through natural textures, sun-washed terracotta and the distinctive blue-and-white palette of the Islands," says interior designer Emily Jamieson, who marks her third year as the venue's designer.
Of course, the food, drinks and entertainment will embrace the Greek theme with refreshing cocktails, cherry flavours and an energetic atmosphere. "We've taken familiar cocktails and reimagined them in a Greek manner. Expect a Greek version of the Long Island Iced Tea featuring Greek mountain tea, a light and fruity sangria made with a Moschofilero Greek wine, and even an ouzo frozen cola," says Tom Younger, Head of HQ Group's Straight Up Cocktails team.
While certain menu favourites will return, new dishes, inspired by the fresh produce of Greek cuisine, will grace the menu. According to HQ Group Executive Chef Paul Dunlop, that means fresh produce that evokes long, relaxed days, almost certainly by an idyllic body of water.
"Our new menu dishes are inspired by travels and time spent working in Greece, drawing references from beach clubs, street vendors, tavernas and everything in between," says Dunlop. "Expect to see fresh local seafood, grilled meats, meze, gyros and beloved Greek sweets. We hope to make it feel familiar, a little exciting and very tasty to honour those classic Greek dining experiences."
Afloat reopens for its 11th season on Thursday, August 27. Head to the website for more information.
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Images: Griffin Simm.
