Arbory Bar and Eatery is long — 150m long, to be exact. Stretching along the length of what was the Sandridge railway platform at Flinders Street Station, this is the perfect place for some old fashioned promenading before taking a seat at the long counter bench overlooking the Yarra to enjoy a tipple while you take in the riverfront views.
Named for the leafy canopy, or arbor, that the plane trees create above, Arbory is a magical pocket of green goodness in the midst of a bustling city. It is even more enchanting as the sun goes down, and the container housing the kitchen, two bars and the bathrooms emit an enticing golden glow.
Arbory is open from 11am for riverside drinks and eats until late with a concise and well-chosen menu from ex-Trocadero (now Fatto) chef Nicolas Bennett. The offering is somewhat refined but still a little cheeky, focusing on sandwiches and burgers, such as its New England Lobster Roll, with shoestring fries and truffle salt and its fan-favourite double cheeseburger. Word has it that the butcher makes the patties to Bennett's specifications to create the ultimate meat-to-fat ratio and — what's more — the perfect bread-to-beef proportions. While the beef patty is definitely the star of this gig, the bacon, brioche bun, mellow and creamy Monterey cheese, sundried tomato relish, a slip of lettuce, and pickles all work together to elevate this burger to superstar status. The accompanying crinkle-cut fries complete the dish. And, from experience, more than one napkin is required.
With a state-of-the-art beer system, fancy Hoshizaki ice machine, wine on tap (as well as some lovely local and Spanish wines by the bottle) and a cocktail list with all your favourites, this is a well-thought-out bar and eatery.