Overview
Melbourne's bar scene is off to a high-flying start in 2022, with news it's set to score a sparkling new rooftop drinking destination. Perched eight storeys above Bourke Street, The Stolen Gem is gearing up to throw open its doors from Thursday, February 17.
Once a private event space, the venue and its sweeping 360-degree views will now welcome everyday punters for the first time, the site reborn as a sky-high cocktail bar and terrace celebrating Aussie spirits and top-notch sushi.
It's a snappy, modern space, with pops of neon and a striking bronze bar complemented by the impressive vistas visible from the all-weather terrace.
The drinks offering is an eclectic and locally-focused one, headlined by a crop of signature cocktails featuring seasonal botanicals foraged by Yarra Valley's Spurrell Foraging. Expect concoctions like a cinnamon and brown sugar espresso martini, a pavlova spritz crafted on Melbourne's Nosferatu Gin, and the S'more Fashioned — starring peated Tassie vodka and a house-made vanilla bean syrup.
Drops from the likes of Echuca Distillery, Grainshaker and the Mornington Peninsula's award-winning distillery Jimmy Rum feature throughout; as do considered ingredients like ginger mint, aloe vera foam and house-made grapefruit cordial.
A concise vino selection champions Australia's best winemaking regions, and you'll find just a handful of beer options on tap and in the fridge.
While you're soaking up the views and sipping primo local booze, you can also be chowing down on produce-driven canapes from the kitchen. Or, for a touch of luxury, there is the venue's exclusive sushi boxes courtesy of a collaboration with Prahran's Uminono. There'll be a limited number of the freshly-made boxes on offer each day, and they're expected to be snapped up quick.
Find The Stolen Gem at Level 8, 388 Bourke St, Melbourne, from February 17. It'll open from 4–10pm Wednesday and Thursday, and 12pm–1am Friday and Saturday.