Natural History Public Bar

Overview

Collins Street's diorama-sporting, museum-themed haunt has been reborn, with a more laidback vibe, as Natural History Public Bar.

Opened in early-2018 as just Natural History — a fancy all-day bar, grill and cafe — the revamped bar is keeping its bumper natural wine offering, but that's now backed by a broad-ranging gastropub menu, after-work-friendly specials and a revamped entertainment program. It will now only open on weekdays, too.

From the kitchen comes a roll-call of reimagined pub classics, with plates like a spicy beef tartare with cured egg yolk and fermented chilli, buttermilk-fried chicken ribs, and sliders stuffed with soft shell crab. Bigger appetites might meet the likes of a hearty crumbed pork schnitzel, a 500-gram rib eye, or a vegetarian-friendly potato and cashew lasagne.

Match that feed with an organic or biodynamic drop from one of Australia and Europe's most interesting small wine producers, or get acquainted with a classic cocktail.

The bar also has a killer happy hour, slinging affordable after-work beverages from 4–7pm each weekday. Alongside the regular deal of $7 wine, $8 spirits and $9 pints, the bar has a number of daily specials going on, such as a carafe of wine and a cheese plate for just $35 on Tuesdays. On Thursday evening, pretend you're fancy with a $10 negroni, old fashioned or espresso martini.

Images: Eugene Hyland.