Historically, the inner northwest suburb of Moonee Ponds hasn't exactly been saturated with top-notch drinking destinations. But with a handful of recent bar openings and yet more in the works, things are suddenly looking a lot less thirsty for this unassuming pocket of Melbourne. Not least thanks to its latest addition: new craft booze paradise The Mighty.
Taking over the former Sporting Globe digs, the venue is the latest project from Aussie craft drinks collective Mighty Craft. You're probably already well acquainted with some of the brands it represents, including Brogan's Way gin distillery in Richmond, the Mornington Peninsula-born Jetty Road Brewery, Torquay Beverage Company and Green Ant Gin. And The Mighty is focused on celebrating the whole stable.
The sprawling, three-level space has room to seat 110, spread across a cocktail bar, terrace, bistro, public bar and atrium. It's been given a dramatic overhaul by architecture firm Studio Y, whose work you'd have spied at the likes of Nick & Nora's, Maha East and Stomping Ground.
The space now boasts an abundance of natural light, with pops of foliage complemented by white tile, timber finishes and lush green accents. There's also a spot here for many occasions, from the intimate bistro booths to the sun-drenched terrace seating primed for summer spritzing sessions.
As you'd expect, the drinking situation is front and centre here, with Mighty Craft's extensive portfolio delivering a diverse menu of boutique drops. At the bar, 14 taps pour cider, beer and seltzer from the likes of Jetty Road Brewery, Queensland's Slipstream Brewing Co and Sauce Brewing Co out of Marrickville. Guest brews will feature on rotation and there's a list of signature cocktails showcasing Mighty Craft spirits — like the Pirouette, blending Brogan's Way Hearts Afire gin with lychee, lime, apple and rose.
That said, with The Fat Duck and Dinner by Heston alum Adrian Corigliano heading up The Mighty kitchen, food is certainly no afterthought. Here, expect gastropub fare that's casual, yet considered, across a menu showcasing plenty of local ingredients. Sticky pork belly parcels are cooked in master stock and teamed with tamarind caramel, a wagyu burger comes with smoked cheddar and onion jam, and there's a dish of salt-cured charred prawn sticks with chilli and lime. Or, you can smash those comfort food cravings with plates like the buttermilk chicken schnitzel and a boozy ice cream sandwich.
An onsite retail space and tasting bar offers Mighty Craft drops to go, and there's a calendar of masterclasses, booze-matched dinners and drinks festivals to look forward to. And that's not all. The first edition of The Mighty opened in the Hunter Valley last month, with the group revealing its planning up to 12 more Aussie venues to launch in the next two years.
Find The Mighty Moonee Ponds at 690 Mt Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds. It's open from 11am–10pm Wednesday–Thursday, 11am–midnight Friday–Saturday and 11am–10pm Sunday.