Bartender Andy Chu cut his teeth at some of Melbourne’s best venues, including the Everleigh, Above Board, Black Pearl and Byrdi. One or Two is his first independent venture. It condenses his 11 years of experience into a 24-seat cocktail bar offering a handful of cocktails, and 50 small-batch whiskies. For him, it’s all about drinking less and drinking better.

Hidden down a cobblestone in Chinatown, the venue’s location is perfect for pre-dinner drinks. Its tranquil, Japanese-inspired dark wood interiors can offer patrons respite from the ever-bustling surrounds.

The cocktail list pairs traditional options with more adventurous drinks, like the milk tea-inspired Yin Yang Milk Punch. There’s also a few wildcards from rotating guest bartenders. That might be a Sichuan and beef stock-laced Bloody Maria from Lok Cheung of Hong Kong-based cocktail bar COA Hong Kong.

The whisky collection covers Japan, Scotland, Ireland, Australia and Chu’s home of origin, Hong Kong, available as flights or highballs. A few natural wines and independent beers are also available, plus sake and soju.