If the image of a typical Melbourne laneway bar is what springs to mind, you’d be right on the money. A tiny caravan bar sits right up the back of what was once a service alley for the older buildings around it, but it’s surrounded by such bright colours you could be forgiven for thinking it’s the outdoor area of a larger venue. With bright, hip vibes and friendly staff tucked away into a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it hidey-hole, this bar brings some of the best of the Melbourne bar scene right into the middle of the CBD.

First impressions are of a bright (lots of yellow paint along one wall helps with that one), green space with mason jar lanterns keeping the cosy atmosphere going. Head past the small 2 and 4 seater bar tables and you’ll find the entirety of the physical bar itself in a caravan. The flower coverings and vines keep what would be an otherwise dull laneway incredible green and welcoming, absolutely nailing the simplicity of this laneway bar. It has you feeling like you’re drinking in a quaint little garden smack bang in the middle of the city. A haven in an otherwise bland alleyway sitting just down from Bourke St Mall, just walking into the space will be sure to brighten your day.

The drinks menu is simple enough – with some fresher, more floral takes on classic cocktails and local wine and beers with a rotating happy hour special – it’s difficult to go wrong if you want a good cocktail or just a few cheap beers for drinking away those post-work blues. The cocktails are well crafted, if a little on the safe side, though this fits in with the character of the bar. The staff were super friendly and efficient despite the cramped working space inside the caravan, and they kept the bustling garden going and the flow of people in and out smoothly.

Overall, this tiny bar is an excellent place for a post-lunch of post-work drink, with fresh takes on classics in a small slice of a garden haven off an otherwise dull city laneway. Friendly and efficient service make this ambient bar an excellent place to drop in, even if just heading onto Bourke St mall for some shopping or as a go-between from work to dinner.

Find it at 322 Little Collins St in Melbourne – park yourself up on a bar stool and have a chuckle while you’re there!