Mr West Is Footscray's New Two-Storey, Craft Booze Den

When Josh Hodges (Feral Brewing Co, Cookie) and Caleb Baker (Greenhouse by Joost, Meatball & Wine Bar) began planning their dream venue, the drinks focus was never going to be a narrow one. Having racked up a combined 20 years of experience working with everything from craft beer and artisan spirits to cocktails and fine wines, the boys were set on embracing it all. And so, their first solo venture is born — Mr West Bar & Bottleshop is a multifaceted drinking destination celebrating all booze in equal measure.

Set to join Footscray's ever-booming drinking scene in mid-August, this newcomer promises to tick all the boxes with its two-level, 500-square-metre space. It's will include an upstairs bar, lounge, pool room, rooftop courtyard and even a ground-floor bottle shop, stocked with a solid collection of rare and interesting drops.

Get excited for an impressive 24 taps showcasing craft brews, local wines, and batch cocktails, alongside a well-traveled curation of bottled wines and spirits. Bar staff will be shaking up a gutsy, yet approachable, range of cocktails, or you can grab something interesting from the bottle shop to quaff in house. The food menu will consist of snack-happy drinking fare, with the option of bringing in your own eats from one of the nearby takeaway joints.

And, if you're after more than just great sipping, keep your eyes peeled for the regular program of tastings, masterclasses, and product releases to come.

Mr West Bar & Bottleshop will open mid-August at 106 Nicholson St, Footscray.