Overview
Filling the void left behind by the closure of Torino Aperitivo — a charming, Italian-inspired aperitivo bar tucked down Driver Lane — the venue has relaunched with a fresh identity. Reimagined as Baby Driver, this soulful laneway nook is now spinning 70s jazz, deep funk and rare groove vinyl deep into the night.
Launched by Liquid Living, the award-winning team behind much-loved venues, Beneath Driver Lane and the now-closed Rum Diary Bar, this fresh spot is defined by old-school sounds, international wines and low-intervention cocktails. And with a 100-person capacity, it strikes the ideal balance between intimacy and energy.
"2024 was the toughest year I've seen in hospitality," says founder Hamish Goonetilleke. "Venues were closing, and everyone was feeling the pressure. But it was also a time to get creative. That's where Baby Driver came from — a desire to innovate, to bring music and good times back to the centre."
Set upstairs from Beneath Driver Lane, expect Baby Driver to serve as the original's funkier sibling. Replacing the whisky and blues with wine-soaked grooves, the party kicks off at golden hour and runs until the early morning. For those getting down, there's also a fresh spin on food, with a series of rotating kitchen takeovers offering bold culinary collabs throughout the year.
Taking charge of the first takeover is Lady T — Cremorne's favourite Latin street-food spot. Bringing fiery flavours from Colombia, Brazil and Peru to the CBD, you can score a bite from Thursday–Saturday. "This has been in the works for a while," says Goonetilleke. "Lady T's food matches our vibe perfectly — vibrant, loud, and totally unique. She's the first of many collaborators who'll keep our food offering as fresh and dynamic as the music."
Yet there are even more highlights to consider. Held daily from 4pm–6pm, Golden Hour features specials like $8 tap beer and wine alongside $15 negronis and espresso martinis. For those keen to go all out, check out the Dinner & A Show set menu for $75 per person, featuring the chef's selection at Baby Driver and reserved seating for a live blues performance downstairs at Beneath Driver Lane.
Baby Driver is open Wednesday–Thursday from 4pm–12am and Friday–Saturday from 4pm–1am at 2 Driver Lane, Melbourne. Head to the website for more information.