Arbory Afloat, Melbourne’s largest floating bar and restaurant is set to open 15 November until 26 February 2018.
HQ Group is installing a 500-square-metre floating pontoon at Flinders Landing in front of Arbory Bar & Eatery and adjacent to Flinders Street Station on the Yarra.
Arbory Afloat was first launched in 2015 and was a huge hit. This year’s version will be bigger and better, measuring 50 metres in length, a capacity for 407 guests and operating hours from 11am to 1am, seven days a week.
Boasting 360-degree views of the Yarra River and CBD skyline, Arbory Afloat has been designed by Lucienne Hemmingway from Curious By Design.
Banquette seating and perimeter ledges surround the central bar while guests can lounge in a daybed and at the other end of the venue.
The drinks list features fruit driven-cocktails with some classic European influences. Sitting alongside a gin and tonic menu boasting eight varieties of gin from Australia and aboard, all paired with small-batch tonic waters and garnishes.
The wine program has been developed by the National Good Food Guide 2018 Sommelier of the Year Raul Moreno Yagüe and is inspired by the maritime influences of the Mediterranean coast with wines that are fresh, vibrant, fruit driven and savoury, perfect for a summer afternoon on the water.
Chef Nick Bennett has designed a menu taking influence from the Mediterranean, referencing the casual hospitality experienced on the Amalfi Coast. The menu will focus on laidback and accessible all-day dining featuring fish, seafood, fruit and vegetables sourced through local suppliers and house-made gelato. The kitchen will also boast a Neapolitan wood-fired pizza oven.
