Bar Vue

Overview

It's clear that every effort has been made to bring a slice of Paris to Melbourne at Bar Vue. Sitting next to Bistro Vue at Normanby Chambers, it's clustered, casual and atmospheric. With an outdoor heated terrace, chic glass panelling and opulent detailing, the hum of the city echoes a street-side ambience that would be perfectly at home in the French capital.

Bar Vue's happy hour runs Monday to Friday, from 5pm until 6.30pm, and provides half priced draught pints and house wine by the glass, turning the space into a truly social hub. Great for casual group gatherings or smaller duos, Bar Vue's sleek interior gives you the ample privacy for a quiet evening or is an ideal spot as a prelude to a big night out.

The bar menu is a concise selection of simple Gallic favourites, including pommes frites ($8), ham hock terrine ($12) and steak tartare ($22). Snacking to more substantial plates are taken into consideration, adding to the flexibility of the bar and its service next to Bistro Vue. Freshly shucked-to-order oysters and a classy selection of cocktails, including the White Negroni ($17), make for an experience that is assured and without fault.

Attentive bartenders ensure that every need is met, exceeded and placed at the highest of importance. Such service is memorable and commendable, and — even better — highlights the impressive continuity between Shannon Bennett's other ventures. Bar Vue, although smaller in offering, is held in no less esteem than Cafe Vue, the Bistro or even Vue de Monde. For this, Bennett's food empire remains genuinely respected.

For all of its French affectation, Bar Vue is a venue that remains truly iconic to Melbourne. An entertaining location to enjoy the finer pleasantries of life, it's a space to become your after-work regular or the ideal location for a more important occasion. An extravagance like no other, enjoy the impressive drinks list and hospitality at its absolute best.