Overview
Hands Down is Fitzroy's new hotspot drinking hole, courtesy of a group of hospitality veterans. And coming from those behind Melbourne institutions such as Above Board and Bar Liberty, you know you're in safe hands.
Occupying the former Bad Frankie space on Greeves Street, Hands Down has been a long-imagined venture, which pays homage to the drinking cultures of Southern France and Northern Spain. There's a golden trifecta of stiff drinks, salty snacks, and sweet tunes. Sip on the likes of Pastis Swizzles, 50-50 Martinis and Kalimotxos, paired with a gilda, or Éspelette crisps with guindillas.
Leading the charge are Dominic Xavier (Bar Liberty), Hayden Lambert (Above Board), and Manu Potoi (Bar Liberty, Above Board, Capitano), who set out to create a high-spirited and energetic hub for groups to gather for a pre-dinner snack and drink, or a later-in-the-evening nightcap or two. Xavier says, "We've always wanted to create a social bar. Somewhere fun, loud and a little bit loose — but still delivering the quality we're known for."
The warm and welcoming space, with a loosely seventies-inspired fit-out, was designed by Studio Edwards and built by Orio Randi of Arteveneta. The venue is centred around a vintage Tannoy sound system. Relics of the former space were retained for both charm and purpose, such as the original timber-panelled bar, which was kept for its sound-resonating qualities.
Images: Dominic Xavier.
Information
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