Pepe's Winter Chalet
This immersive winter pop-up is bringing a taste of the Italian Alps to inner-city Melbourne.
Overview
UPDATE Thursday, July 29: Pepe's Italian & Liquor has reopened following the latest lockdown, though with hospitality caps currently in place, your best bet may be to book a table in advance. For more details on Victoria's current restrictions, see the Department of Health and Human Services website.
Has that planned ski trip been put on hold thanks to recent lockdowns and border closures? Mope no longer — you can shrug off the winter blues and find the answer to all those apres-ski cravings at Pepe's Italian & Liquor.
The CBD spot has transformed itself into an Italian Alps-inspired winter wonderland for Pepe's Winter Chalet, complete with a snow machine, a custom-built sleigh and timber skis adorning the site. Here, prepare to feel like you've been transported to the top of a frosty mountain as you sip hot cocktails, frolic in the powder and breathe in the scent of cinnamon.
The kitchen is plating up a limited-edition menu inspired by the flavours of Italy's South Tyrol alpine region, featuring the likes of spinach spätzle pasta with rabbit ragu, spicy vodka rigatoni and wild boar pizza. The drinks list is equally cosy, starring sips like the rye-infused Remember the Dolomites and an apple strudel hot toddy.
What's more, if the whole set-up inspires a little von Trapp moment, you'll find the Sound of Music soundtrack playing on loop in the bathrooms. Sing-alongs are encouraged, of course.
