Overview
Punters who prefer to pair their dinner or drinks with a spot of friendly competition aren't short on options these days. From Maniax's axe-hurling lanes to the bar sports offering of Ballers Clubhouse, and including the arcade games of Archie Brothers Cirque Electrique as well, these kinds of activities abound. But if you're particularly partial to slicing air with small, very pointy missiles, the game-based venue you've been waiting for is finally here.
Introducing Oche (pronounced oc-key) — the unique dining-meets-gameplay concept set to open its doors in Elizabeth Street's historic Michaels Building this month, pairing innovative eats with electronic darts. Already a fixture in Amsterdam, London, Göteborg in Sweden and Brisbane's Fortitude Valley, the Oslo-born venue now has Melbourne in its sights, set to launch on Friday, November 18.
So what can you expect from this fun-loving place, named after the line that players stand behind when throwing darts? Step inside the Nordic-inspired space and you'll find a healthy dose of Tasmanian oak throughout, ceilings engulfed by foliage and a luminous 'O'-shaped swing designed especially for selfies.
There's also 22 cutting-edge, semi-private dart booths; each fits up to 12 players, is manned by a dedicated host, and boasts real dartboards, steel-tipped darts and state-of-the-art technology that keeps track of your score.
But while it's built on fun and games, Oche's not playing around at all when it comes to its food offering. This is crafty, innovative fare that's designed to be easily enjoyed with one hand — while your other hand is busy showing that dartboard who's boss, of course.
You're in for an array of creative pizza toppings, along with bites like gin-cured smoked salmon cones filled with kohlrabi and liquorice remoulade, plus crispy kataifi-wrapped duck paired with goats cheese and sautéed asparagus.
Meanwhile, award-winning bartender Adam MacDonald has dreamed up a selection of clever signature cocktails to (hopefully) help improve your aim. There's a bourbon cocktail with a red wine float dubbed the Thin Red Line, a smoky modern take on the appletini, a reimagined pina colada featuring roasted coconut and white chocolate foam, and an ode to the pornstar martini served the way it was originally intended — with the fizz on the side.
Find Oche at 263-269 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne CBD, from Friday, November 18.