Old Plates Is Fitzroy's Cosy New Record Store Bar From PBS's Long-Spinning DJ Manchild

Melbourne's bar culture and its music scene are friendlier than ever these days, as listening bars continue to sprout across the city. You've got beloved spots like Waxflower and Music Room ingraining themselves into our lives, not to mention newcomers like the soon-to-launch Stella's within the newly revived Saint Hotel.

And now, Fitzroy has scored a music-fuelled drinking den of its own, with the arrival of Brunswick Street bar and record store Old Plates. This one's got some serious musical pedigree behind it, too, as the long-planned brainchild of Ethan Hill. Best known by the moniker DJ Manchild, Hill's been the guy behind PBS FM's The Breakdown for almost two decades, and has been spinning funk and soul records around town since his high school days.

"I've wanted to do something like this forever," explains the DJ, who's also had a hand in opening other local venues with friends. "I'm bringing all my skills together with Old Plates. It's about the discovery of music for me and the customer."

Here, Hill has combined his passions to create a cosy laidback joint where punters can explore his impressive, ever-growing collection of rare vinyl with a tipple in hand. It's got a comfy DIY feel, with a courtyard hidden out the back and DJ decks that play host to a rotation of local selectors Thursday through Saturday. As the owner describes it: "Like a lounge room where you can listen to records, the sound is good and the drinks are nice."

Old Plates' record collection is as diverse as it is considerately curated. Though thanks to Hill's own travels and his long friendship with Nigerian artist Fela Kuti, you'll find an extra abundance of love for African tunes, spanning Ghanese soul, voodoo funk, Afrobeat and everything in between.

As for the food and drinks offering, it's as laidback as the space itself. A handful of taps host brews from the likes of Bodriggy and Alchemy, while a concise yet well-travelled wine selection features a half-litre carafe in case you're settling in for a groove. And a crop of classic cocktails is backed by fun creations like a vodka-infused Strawberry Shortcake and the Spiced Rum Monty.

The snack lineup's simple, yet makes all the right noises — Cuca sardines, fresh oysters, cheese platters and toasties lead the charge, or you can grab a plate laden with pastries from A1 Bakery.

Find Old Plates at 384 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. It's open 12–11pm Wednesday to Thursday, 12pm–1am Friday and Saturday, and 12–11pm Sunday.

Images: Duncographic