The first impression of the new Geralds Bar, once you’ve passed through the striking stained-glass Mondrian entrance? This place is big. 

For the legion of fans of the original Geralds accustomed to 19 years in the iconic, tightly packed, single-shopfront space in Rathdowne Village, the generous real estate of 2.0 can be initially discombobulating. But then, spotting the familiar, arresting David Bailey portrait of Michael Caine, the patron saint of the old Geralds, watching over the new bar, the mood quickly adjusts from reticence to relief.

Owners Gerald Diffey and Mario Di Ienno have not only scaled up in terms of size, the ambition has been amped up too. 

The main bar area can seat 100, either on the original Geralds stools around the expansive bar (custom-built by Nick Coyle, responsible for the original bar) or on blue upholstered banquettes, which cleverly divide the space. There’s a separate dining room, too. 

The food offering in the bar will be familiar to patrons of the old Geralds, though its mix of snacks and larger dishes has been ramped up. The dining room is where the kitchen brigade, helmed by long-time Geralds chef Pete Savage and freshly hired Matt Podbury (formerly of Geelong French bistro La Cachette), gets to flex.

The mourning for the loss of the original Geralds is real but this new version, with its many morsels of delight, is also cause for celebration. Welcome to the new clubhouse.