Now Open: Follies Is the New All-Vegan Basque-Style Pintxo Bar in Fitzroy

There's plenty to love about newly-opened, vegan snack bar, Follies. Along with a food and beverage menu that's entirely plant-based, Follies pays homage to the classic pintxos bars found in Barcelona and San Sebastian. Everything on the menu comes in a bite-sized ration, served on toothpicks as a nod to its Basque Country heritage.

Follies is the lockdown brainchild of Melbourne-born and bred Olivia Franklin, a young but eager hospitality veteran. A nostalgic ode to the 70s, Follies' fit-out has been brought to life with the help of retro wallpaper prints, bright orange table tops and the fuzzy, original carpet from the 70s.

"I have always been drawn to the contrasting colours of the late 70s and early 80s, so Follies is a natural tangible progression of my 70s dreams," Franklin says.

Patrons will find a reliable everyday menu of hot, cold, sweet and savoury pintxos priced at $5.50 for a small stick and $7 for a large. The pintxos bar choices run to the likes of peach and goats cheese crostini done with a balsamic glaze, and cream cheese-stuffed peppers laden with walnuts. Extra soft and juicy Italian meatballs are served coated in a rich tomato and red wine sauce, while a Patatas Bravas with roast chickpeas is a must-try. Seasonal and event-themed specials are also promised to make appearances throughout the year.

Drinks take the form of house cocktails, spritzes, local beers and an ever-evolving selection of vegan, low-intervention wines. The Frosty Fruit margarita contains a crowd-pleasing tequila, Cointreau, passionfruit and lime, while a Porny Pom mixes vodka, vanilla, pomegranate liquor, molasses and prosecco. Low-to-no alcohol drinks are given plenty of love too, with a range of iced teas, spritzes and pét-nat for guests looking for alternative bevvies.

An enticing daily happy hour offers $18 cocktails, $10 spritzes, $9 wines and $7 schooners. Bottomless lunch comes in at an easy $75, including bottomless pintxos, spritz, beer and wine.

Follies is now open at 34 Johnston Street, Fitzroy from 5pm–11pm Tuesday–Thursday, 12pm–11pm Friday–Sunday. 

Images: Genevieve Rankin