When Adam Robinson opened Lockwood General back in 2021, the plan was to eventually trade at night. But the quiet residential setting meant that an evening service would be off the cards for the time being. It did, however, open the door for Robinson to do something else: a wine bar on King William road, in his own Hyde Park neighbourhood.

The first thing you might notice at Alt is a wall of wine; its line-up of vibrant labels providing pops of colour to the monochromatic space. But Alt is very much a venue for wine lovers, not wine experts. The 200-strong list is sorted by characteristics – such as fizzy, crisp, mineral, aromatic and textural – instead of variety, with a mix of traditional and new-wave drops from Australia and overseas.

The opposite wall is a backdrop for local art, starting with a work by Pia Gynell-Jorgensen. There’s also a mural by artist Alex Bellas snaking around two walls, inspired by the strokes of a paint brush. Bellas is also behind a much more colourful work elsewhere in the venue, which you’re sure to find when you visit.

Alt is very much a place for dinner as well as drinks and snacks. Opening highlights included croquettes topped with samphire aioli, ferrying delicate crab meat and roe pearls. Larger share plates were fried chicken with truffle sriracha, honey, cucumber and sesame; and beef brisket served with braised cabbage and smoked yoghurt.

Order a spread and settle in out the front under the red vine leaves, or inside at the communal table running through the centre of the room; a feature piece cut from a 150-year-old red gum tree.

Contact Details

Phone: No phone

Website: altwinebar.com

Updated: November 21st, 2023

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