Perched atop a coworking hub and fitness studio in Collingwood's Zero Gipps building, Slowpoke Lounge & Lookout is equal parts rooftop bar, lounge room and whimsical daydream. It's the kind of place you can wander into on a whim, whether it's for a post-work cocktail, a late-night snack, or just to watch the sunset thanks to its sweeping 360-degree city views. Slowpoke has been brought to life by a trio of creatives whose collective resumé includes work with brands like Daybreak Festival, Tsu Lange Yor, 524 Flinders and Espace Noir, and together, they've created a venue that feels like a refined yet homely living room. The design is a considered mix of clean mid-century modern lines and raw brutalist accents, balanced with nods to 1970s Italian glamour — wood panelling, terrazzo and plush upholstery all feature in the space. Drinks are fun but serious. The cocktail program heroes both fresh produce and unexpected combinations — the likes of coconut margaritas, spiked yerba maté, hazelnut espresso martinis and a tequila-based sipper featuring house-made hot honey are playful yet refined. You'll also find considered zero-alc options, like house-brewed iced tea and homemade lemonade. An American diner-inspired food menu also nails the brief. Unlike the share plates that dominate wine bars throughout the city, the kitchen is going all-in on refined takes on comfort food. You won't find focaccia or kingfish crudo here — instead, you'll be tucking into hash brown fries with a secret sauce, a cheeseburger that's part love letter to Macca's, part gourmet reimagining, and apple pie for dessert.
