Image Credit: Daniel Sortino
Tucked just above the street at 280 Little Collins, The Lodge Bar by Rodd & Gunn is Melbourne's new after-dark hideaway… the kind of place you plan for one drink and accidentally stay all night.
Hidden on the mezzanine, it's low-lit, intimate and effortlessly cool. Think rich timber panelling, plush club seating and sculptural lighting by Volker Haug, layered with subtle Art Deco nods to the building's heritage. It feels like a private members' lounge, minus the attitude and designed for dates, after-work drinks or slipping in solo for a perfectly made martini.
Under the radar but never trying too hard, The Lodge Bar is designed for those who like to discover their own spots. It's intimate without being exclusive, ideal for small groups and nights that unfold organically.
The cocktail list is classic at its core, but far from predictable. Expect ice-cold martinis, a house Negroni done right, and seasonal signatures from the venue's Cocktail Laboratory, led by Matt Bax. There's a sense of quiet experimentation, unexpected flavour pairings that land effortlessly with subtle influences drawn from New Zealand, Australia's hinterlands and classic bar americano culture.
Food is deliberately understated: a tight edit of small plates designed to complement, not compete. Here, the drinks take centre stage.
Positioned between two adjoining Rodd & Gunn spaces, The Lodge Bar is part of a broader, experience-led vision from the brand. One that extends beyond retail into atmosphere, craft and connection. It's a place built on detail, where every element feels considered, and where one drink has a habit of turning into three.
Melbourne loves a hidden bar. This might just be its next favourite.
Discover The Lodge Bar Here.
Located on Mezzanine, 280 Little Collins Street Melbourne.
