Where to drink, what to drink, and why

WITH CAM O’KEEFE

Sexy, social and succinct: these recommendations are show-tested and straight to the point.

If you’re like me, often with curfews due to family/finances/free-time commitments, here are the tipple destinations you should be spending your precious nights-out visiting.

Wine: It’s with heavy hearts that I report the news of Union Street Wine (both their CBD bar and retail outlet) is now up for sale. A stalwart of the local wine and hospitality scene for 10 years, the owners of this small outpost are ready to checkout and hand the vino-baton to the next custodians of this great little space. With no buyer sorted as yet, get down and support the Union team with one last glass (or bottle) before these familiar faces call time on what’s been a very welcome addition to our Geelong bar scene over the years.

Cocktails: You know what’s a little bit different? When you get asked if you’d like a caviar-bump (basically a small line of the proper Russian stuff) to accompany your choice of cocktail. Well, this option is now standard practice by the friendly staff at Non Disclosure: the third (and smallest) new bar offering from serial hospitality ideas man, George Camorra. They have vintage spirits (notable since the ’50s, and every decade since), which they use to create some seriously tasty and intriguing cocktails with a point of difference. The place seats less than a mere 30 guests, meaning you’ll be extremely well looked after once you (finally) score a seat. The food offering here is above normal bar-standard too, certainly substantial enough if you missed dinner before hitting the bar.

Beers (at the local): It’s an easy one this week, as I was able to enjoy a few pots at an old-favourite-turned-modern establishment that still exhibits all the brilliant, warm hospitality you expect from a local beer-servicing favourite. I’m talking about the reopening of the Petrel Hotel (northern Pakington Street) after a couple of months of renovation and planning. First impressions? Brilliant – it hasn’t forgotten its spot as a great local boozer to so many dedicated locals (i.e., the front bar is still intact and stocked with many a familiar brand) but is now appealing to the wider Geelong West/Manifold Heights clientele who are demanding a more polished food offering from their local pub. Happy days here.

Home: There’s no mistaking the quality of the liquour we’re all consuming at home has changed over the past five to 10 years. This is by no means ground-breaking news, as it’s (fairly) common knowledge we are drinking less as a society but drinking better (i.e., not as much booze, but with better – and more expensive – choices). Some of my favourite take-home alcohol needs come from the crew at Chas Cole Cellars along Moorabool Street (opposite the stadium, almost next door to Man Bo restaurant). Their craft beer selection – both local, domestic and international – is probably the best in Geelong, with good staff on hand that know their stuff.

A further two cents on the above theme if I can: it’s truly exciting to learn we’re binge-drinking less and have a better appreciation of craft alcohol products (plus have less acceptance of inferior brands etc). Who wouldn’t prefer paying a premium for products at the checkout rather than at the bar? Personally, I think this is great: we should all be inspired by this renewed, slightly more-refined, drinking culture that encourages enjoyment, taste and moderation above higher consumption, cheaper brands and potentially nastier consequences.

In other local foodie news, previously closed Torquay favourite Samesyn has been completely reimagined, rising from the ashes with a welcomed refresh and redirection. This previously hatted restaurant has changed its tune a little though, focusing on minimising waste and how to best serve its guest and the wider Surf Coast community more sustainably. Their new mantra centres around a profit-for-purpose model, meaning (and unlike a not-for-profit enterprise) the intention is to give monies earned to local charities and other NFPs. As promised (and I believe this) the quality of the previous restaurant’s offering will not change, so expect brilliantly executed cooking mixed with the best local ingredients sourced. I’m all in here: what a great concept and business to support. Want to know more? Check out their socials or (better yet) head in and see what Version 2.0 is all about.