Planning a night out in Melbourne or Adelaide with drinkers as well as non-drinkers? Olivia knows just the place.
When Olivia Molly Rogers decided to stop drinking alcohol a couple of years ago, she assumed that going out to bars wouldn’t be as much fun. It was therefore a treat to discover a wide choice of delicious non-alcoholic* drinks as well as the fact she still loved being out and about. “People thought I’d find the drinkers annoying, but I didn’t at all,” she says. “I think when you’re with friends and comfortable around them, you should be able to enjoy each other’s company whether there’s alcohol involved or not.”
Now, after going booze-free for more than a year, the Melbourne-based author, speech pathologist and former Miss Universe Australia says she has a “balanced relationship” with alcohol. “I can take it or leave it,” she says. “I like enjoying drinks with my friends, but I also really enjoy alcohol-free nights, too. I just go with what feels good for me in each environment.” Olivia says she loves this approach because it doesn’t feel like she’s restricting herself in any way. “I get to go with the flow, take each day as it comes and do what feels right for me.”
While Olivia’s perfect night starts with friends at her place for a pre-drink (she loves the Monday G&T as a non-alc starter), dinner out and bar-hopping soon follows. This means she knows her stuff when it comes to finding the best drinks – both with and without alcohol – in Melbourne, as well as her hometown of Adelaide.
“The quality of the food and wine in both cities is hard to beat – they do hospitality very well! I feel like there’s a never-ending list of places I want to visit in Melbourne, while Adelaide is on the smaller side, but it continues to blow me away. Every time I go back to visit, there seems to be somewhere new and exciting that people are raving about.”
1. Builders Arms Hotel, Fitzroy, Melbourne
This Andrew McConnell gastro pub surely wins the award for most consistent star performer. From its relaxed fit-out and friendly team to the cracking menu and stay-a-while vibes, this is a true charmer in the heart of Fitzroy (it’s also on the same street as sibling venues Cutler & Co and Marion). “If you’re a seafood lover like me, the fish pie is a must,” Olivia says. “It might sound like a bit of a random order, but a friend recommended it to me once and now I can’t go to the Builders Arms without ordering it.”
2. Brunswick Aces, Brunswick, Melbourne
A pub with no beer? How about a bar with no booze? Never fear – the brilliant team behind Brunswick Aces Distillery, who are masters of the non-alc spirit, have pulled off this boozeless bar in serious style. Expect a classy old-timey French salon, where the drinks selection won’t make you feel like you’re missing out on a thing. “I love the vibe of this place,” Olivia says. “The staff are so friendly and welcoming, the non-alcoholic options are incredible, and the food and drinks are presented so well. I love it!”
3. Arbory Bar & Eatery, CBD, Melbourne
Sitting on the Yarra River, this setting may not actually be Mediterranean, but Arbory makes it easy to pretend. This bar is all about the outlook, complete with a bustling al fresco area alongside it that gets an annual makeover inspired by somewhere a little more exotic. “This place is a must if you’re in Melbourne on a nice day. It’s perfect for afternoon drinks with friends. Or family – I’ve taken mum there a few times. The views of the city from the water are stunning,” Olivia says.
This is one of Melbourne’s most enduring venues for many very good reasons. Climb the stairs to this French-inspired patio – it sits above City Wine Shop and The European (within the same savvy hospo group) at the top of town – and you’ll be transported to a wine bar in Paris. Drinks and snacks are top-notch, and with its late close, this is an excellent pick for when you don’t want the night to end. “It feels like you’re somewhere in Europe when you sit outside on the rooftop at Siglo,” Olivia says. “I love ending a night out with friends here – it’s always a good time!”
One of the hottest restaurants in Adelaide, Arkhé goes one further by giving us a front bar to stop by for killer drinks, even if you’re not dining at the venue. Having said that, the next-level bar snacks here are absolutely worth your time. “I recently took my Dad here for his 60th and we loved it,” Olivia says. “We had the set menu, and every dish was delicious! It’s a great spot for a special occasion. I also loved the Tepacharita. It’s like a Pineapple Margarita and it’s been my favourite non-alcoholic drink this year so far. Delicious!”
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