Few Melburnians need an introduction to the Paris end of the CBD, with its luxury boutiques, grand hotels and ornate heritage facades. Ben Cester and Joseph Kornides know the area well. Kornides owns Russell Street’s Whisky Den and Cester was once the manager of that venue, following stints at nearby Misty and Chin Chin’s Go Go Bar.
The duo have drawn on their knowledge of the area to open Backspace in George Parade just off Collins Street. Tucked behind the Grand Hyatt, the 40-seat bar is opposite Il Solito Posto and neighbours Philippe Mouchel’s lauded French bistro Philippe.
Given the upscale surroundings – and the fact that an MJ Bale shop previously occupied the space – you might expect a formal high-end approach. But Cester, the driving force behind the venue and its design, wants Backspace to be a welcoming sanctuary for locals, professionals and travellers alike.
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SIGN UP“There aren’t many bars around here that can take groups or walk-ins if they’ve just finished a show or have 30 minutes before dinner,” he says. “And we want to develop that local following. Talk to the guests, focus on the chat, build long-term relationships – get to know the people who live and work here.”
The signature drink is the Nikka Mecha Lemon, a citrusy sugar-free highball made with Nikka Coffey Vodka. Three other riffs using the same Nikka vodka base incorporate either Stone’s Ginger Wine, Midori or green tea to complete a seriously refreshing list of highballs.
For more of a kick, try the Melbourne Sazerac, which adds a subtle coffee infusion to a base of rye whisky and cognac. And try the Blue Steel by bar manager Jason Walls (formerly of Jungle Boy and Nomad Group’s La Rue) for a retro rum and pineapple creation.
Cester says the Orion Japanese lager that’s currently on tap is “probably one of the coldest beers in Melbourne”. Local brews from Brick Lane and Boatrocker round out the selection, while a condensed wine list – spanning quality Australian, Italian and French pours – will evolve with demand.
As with Whisky Den, a polish and precision that calls to mind Japan’s top small bars comes through in the Backspace fit-out. But Cester’s Italian heritage and affinity for postcolonial design is also on show.
The standout feature is a 10-seat Tasmanian oak bar top set against dark green gloss-finished tiles. The counter was crafted by woodworker Orio Randi of Prahran’s Arteveneta whose work has graced some of Melbourne’s finest venues, including Embla and Vue de Monde.
In the coming months, Backspace will introduce a food offering and expand with an upstairs 30-seat whisky-focused bar. The drinks offering will extend across both levels, with cocktails complemented by an extensive spirits offering.
Backspace
27 George Parade, Melbourne
No phone
Hours:
Mon to Sat 3pm–midnight
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