Ian Curley – co-owner of Hardware Lane’s French Saloon and Kirk’s Wine Bar, (and previously of The Point, The European and The Melbourne Supper Club) – is a Brighton local. And he wanted to bring some of that inner-city polish to the beachside suburb he calls home.

So he decided to open two adjoining spots: fine diner Baix, and wine bar 81 Bay. Each has its own distinct character. 81 Bay is bistro-coded in looks and taste, with frilly half-height curtains, timber accents and a salty-snacky-hearty menu of olasagasti anchovy Gildas, steak frites, bone marrow toast, gnocco frito with manchego cream, crème brûlée and more.

The wine list across both venues mixes European and local labels, along with a range of custom Baix-branded wines from Tasmanian winemaker Ghost Rock.