Overview
When it comes to Windsor's newest drinking, dining and entertainment hot-spot, there's roughly zero chance that any two visits will be the same. Instead, High Street newcomer Young Hearts is embracing a state of constant reinvention, championing an ever-evolving offering of eats, drinks, music and art.
Taking over the space once home to Galah, it's the brainchild of Nic Coulter, the guy behind Neptune Food & Wine a couple of doors up. He's revived the second-floor site as a multi-faceted venue that's out to offer a choose-your-own-adventure experience, "designed for easy listening", as he describes it.
If you're here to be entertained, you'll find plenty to sink your teeth into. The custom DJ booth is set to play host to a stacked rotation of selectors through the week, there'll be regular live gigs to catch and you'll have monthly Sunday day parties to add to your calendar, too.
Meanwhile, Young Hearts' wall space will act as a gallery of sorts, hung with works by both up-and-coming and established Aussie artists for a roster of regular exhibitions.
The drinks offering is a fuss-free, easygoing affair that's focused on celebrating quality local drops. Natural sips reign supreme on the wine list, the house Run Free Rosé is pouring on tap and the beer lineup currently heroes brews from the likes of Mismatch and Bodriggy. And if it's cocktails you're after, you'll find a handful of minimalist signatures being shaken up alongside the classics.
In keeping with Young Hearts' penchant for change, the kitchen will operate via six-month residencies, hosting a diverse program of chefs both from interstate and closer to home. The culinary fun is kicking off with a pop-up by Chapel Street favourite Freddy's Pizza, which has departed from its usual offering and conjured up an exclusive new menu of Italian-inspired drinking food.
It's a celebration of things you can enjoy with one hand while the other's occupied with a bev. Think, cacio e pepe croquettes, chicken cotoletta sandos, seafood fritto misto and mixed salumi plates. Freddy's famed pizza fritta (yep, that's deep-fried pizza morsels) also gets a look-in, while for dessert, you can have a go at a cocktail slushy spiked with Tommy's Booze — the team's own brand of limoncello.
Find Young Hearts at 216 High Street, Windsor. It's open from 5pm–1am Thursday to Sunday.
Images: Pete Dillon