The Black Pearl Bar
Editorial
Although the thought of spending a night on Brunswick Street may be abhorrent to every bone in your body - what with the bohos, vagabonds, show ponies and misfits lurking at every turn - there are many reasons to head to this melting pot of Melbourne society for a little tipple and some light (or heavy) indulgence. The Black Pearl Bar, located right in the heart of the main drag, is your ticket to all things bibulous and debauched.
Entering the Black Pearl, your eyes are greeted with a sea of brown, orange and beige. Tall, deeply toned wainscoting runs the perimeter of the bar, circling one in a relaxing faux forest of wood, while plush velour (and you thought this was only for retro suits) seats and couches offer a comforting cradle for the night. Par for course is at least one of the Black Pearl's unique cocktails. Classics are given a delightful twist, with obscure liqueurs or flavours thrown into the mix to create new delights for your palate. Like the Bitter Sweet Symphony - a take on the classic Negroni - with Tanqueray gin, Aperol, Punt e Mes and hibiscus infusion.
Wines hover around the $10 mark, but you'd need to check yourself for a pulse if you weren't satisfied with the humble but impressive choices on offer. The Black Pearl also features an appropriately exciting list of imported beers, like Cervesa Quilmes, Budvar, Dos Equis, Tsingtao, Trumer Pils and more. Work your way through the little-known list of brews for a Sunday afternoon you won't soon forget. Oh, and those after a totally smoke-free experience might do well to avoid the tables outside (sadly).
Mark Gambino, January 2009
User Feedback
E
August 12, 2008
This place is great! i cannot say how good a night my friend and i had there, the staff are lovely inside and out, and made us the best cocktails ever!
aveair
June 20, 2010
This bar continues to win awards, and rightly so. With 2009 Bartender of the Year, Chris Hysted and Cristiano Berretta at the helm, the service is attentive and personal. The cocktails are a mix of classics and the new and the vibe comfy and welcoming. There's a lot to be said for getting the combination of venue, decor and drinks right - clearly evidenced by the crowds that frequent this Richmond drinking hole.
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