Follies Bar

Follies is a 70s- and 80s-inspired vegan antipasti bar by first-time bar owner Liv Franklin. Inside, it’s visually retro with nostalgic Melbourne style cues. The eye-catching wallpaper is made from carpet Franklin found on an online marketplace and the bar’s serving platters were mostly sourced from op shops.

The menu is entirely vegan, with a healthy dose of Mediterranean influence. You might find bean and broccoli stuffed conchiglioni, vegan meatballs and a variety of arancini served on sticks at a self-service counter. There’s also a standout vegan cheese fondue that riffs on a Tiktok recipe developed by Richard Makin of School Night Vegan.

As for drinks, there’s a locally focused wine list and an entirely vegan cocktail menu, featuring femme names such as God Herself (pisco, lime, strawberry and aquafaba), and Something About Mary (vodka, fresh tomato juice, lime, and caper brine).