Overview
A brand new outdoor eatery along the banks of the Yarra River is giving new meaning to the idea of taking a 'long lunch'. Stretching 150m down the south side of Flinders Street Station, the newly opened Arbory Bar and Eatery is laying claim to the title of Melbourne's longest bar.
The brainchild of Metro Trains in partnership with HQ Hospitality, The Arbory sits in the space previously occupied by the terminus of the Sandridge railway line, which was decommissioned back in 1987. With a pair of makeshift bars operating out of multiple illuminated shipping containers, the eatery was designed by renowned Melbourne architects Jackson Clements Burrows and Associates, and is inspired by the urban renewal of New York’s Highline.
A peek at the Arbory drinks list reveals a handpicked selection of local wines, plus up to a dozen beers on tap. Chef Nicholas Bennett from Fatto across the river handles the menu, which includes options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We're already eyeing off the rare roast salmon with fennel, orange and hazelnuts, possibly (probably) followed by a salted caramel sundae. Although it's hard to say no to a double cheeseburger. Or a chorizo corndog with jalapeno mayonnaise. Point is you've got options.
Still no word on whether Metro plans to do anything about train delays. But hey, at least now you can grab a bite to eat while you wait.
Find the Arbory Bar and Eatery at Flinders Walk, Melbourne, behind Flinders Street Station.