After 19 Years, Gerald’s Bar Is Moving

The word icon is thrown around a lot, but Hot-Listed Gerald’s Bar has an undisputed claim to the distinction. The Carlton North stalwart – founded by Gerald Diffey (who has four decades of experience in the hospitality industry) and co-owned by his business partner Mario Di Ienno – is a timeless watering hole universally loved by Melburnians.

After nearly two decades in its original spot, and despite the fact Diffey and Di Ienno opened a Gerald’s Bar outpost in San Sebastian in 2014, it’s hard to imagine the Melbourne institution existing anywhere else. But, on Sunday March 23, the duo announced via an Instagram post that Gerald’s Bar will move into the former Enoteca Sileno space at 920 Lygon Street, Carlton North later this year. When contacted by Broadsheet, the Gerald’s Bar team declined to comment on the exact timing of, or the reasons behind, the move.

But the new, significantly bigger location is just a four-minute drive from its current Rathdowne Street home, where Gerald’s Bar has welcomed walk-ins with its daily menu and frequently changing wines by the glass since 2006.

Gerald’s Bar will relocate to 920 Lygon Street, Carlton North later this year.