Juliet Melbourne

Located in the basement of the Punch Lane building, Martin Pirc’s small bar Juliet champions female winemakers, distillers and cheese producers from Australia, New Zealand and Europe.

Outside Juliet, a pink neon sign signifies the bar is open. Down below, dry-aging meat cabinets, slicers and temperature-controlled wine fridges are on display, allowing guests to feel a part of what’s usually behind-the-scenes action.

The interior by Rabindra Naidoo marries classic European design with a contemporary Melbourne sleekness. It’s casual, but intimate, with oak panelling, a corner fireplace, polished concrete floors and a polished dark-wood bar with a pink neon glow running the length of it.

Make note of the lights: those hanging are made from hand-blown glass, and a custom-made contemporary chandelier looks more like art than fixture. Steel wine racks, chairs and trolleys were handmade by Paul Dodd of Shush Industries.

Alongside wine and cocktails, you can order a range of cheese and charcuterie boards, as well as small plates with a focus on sustainably sourced produce and native Australian ingredients.