A 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood'-Themed Bar Is Popping Up at Cinema Nova

Come mid-August, a visit to Cinema Nova will double as a trip to the past — not only on the big screen, but throughout the venue as well. To celebrate the opening of Quentin Tarantino's star-studded Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, which is set over the summer of 1969, the Carlton spot is turning its bar into an immersive, 60s-themed lounge.

Eating, drinking and relaxing like its 50 years ago is on the menu at the Hollywood Time Lounge from Wednesday, August 14, with Cinema Nova going particularly heavy on the 60s decor — and sourcing vintage items from the era both locally and internationally. Melbourne street-artist Conrad Bizjak has created a psychedelic mural, I Love Lucy Vintage is helping out with specific objects, original old movie posters and reproductions will grace the walls, and a video super-cut of television from the time will also feature. "If visitors find it all to be too over the top, I think I will have achieved the goal," explains General Manager Kristian Connelly.

The year 1969 wasn't just about out-there vibes and indulgence, though, so the Hollywood Time Lounge will also nod to other appropriate elements of the period. That includes the blander side of conservative America, which was beginning to bubble back up — and will obviously clash quite noticeably with the bar's nods to 60s drug and counter-culture.

While you're pretending you've stepped back in time — complete with the sounds of composer Nelson Riddle creating a jazzy mood — you can also enjoy a suitably retros range of snacks and beverages. Food-wise, there'll be meatballs, corndogs, chilli cheese fries and spicy burgers (in both beef and vegetable varieties), all ready to give your tastebuds a blast from the past. If that's not old-school enough for you, there'll also be a diner-style array of condiments.

As for the drinks, four cocktails will be on offer. If you opt for the punch, you'll get a blend of rum, fruit juice, fruit pieces and spices. If you choose a Sunset, you'll sip a blend of cognac, Cointreau, lemon and orange. Dirty martinis with vodka, vermouth, olive brine and olives will also be available, as will the appropriately named Summer of 69, which combines gin, vermouth, ginger ale, mint and berries.

Kick back before watching Leonardo DiCaprio as fading TV star Rick Dalton, Brad Pitt as his trusty stunt double Cliff Booth, Margot Robbie as his neighbour Sharon Tate and Damon Herriman as Charles Manson, or decide to head by after you've seen the end of Hollywood's golden age — that choice is up to you.

Cinema Nova is no stranger to theming up its bar for exciting movie releases, either, doing the same for Wes Anderson's Isle of Dogs last year and Denis Villeneuve's Blade Runner 2049 in 2017 as well.

Cinema Nova's Hollywood Time Lounge will open on Level 1, 380 Lygon Street, Carlton, on Wednesday, August 14.