First Look: Misfits Bar in Footscray Champions Art and Music in the Former Baby Snakes Space

Friends and nightlife pros Jacob Bell (of Ferdydurke and Whitehart), Amber Hahipene (from Section 8 and Comet Beverages), and Jerry Poon (The Operatives) have worked together for 20 years on Melbourne's hospo scene. “I heard [Hahipene and Poon] whispering about something when we were together seeing Chaka Khan live,” Bell explains. “When I finally worked out they were talking about opening a spot, I knew I had to be a part of it.”

Opening this Friday, Misfits takes over the old Baby Snakes space in Footscray, which closed in December. The large mural by Melbourne artist Drez emblazoned remains on the walls of the outdoor courtyard, while inside the space has been updated in warm sandy tones, with exposed brick, wooden floors, warehouse windows, an expansive bar, a raised stage, and a DJ booth flanked by two large tapestries by Singaporean artist Reza Hasni.

While a food offering is in the pipeline, the bar is initially serviced by local favourite Slice Shop. The drinks offering celebrates the team’s love of local, featuring Victorian drops such as Marionette liqueur, Deeds Brewing, and 3 Ravens. Bell, the full-time bar manager, has taken over the cocktail list. “Every cocktail will have a homemade component, be it a shrub or infusion,” he says. “This is a labour of love and a culmination of good relationships built over many years of goodwill in the industry.”

Poon is on board as music director, with an emphasis on diverse programming. The events line-up will feature a mix of workshops, panel discussions, artist talks, live recordings, and performances from an array of DJs and musicians, both local and international, with “big plans for the second half of this year”.

The team also has a vision for the square behind Misfits, with plans to activate the space for laneway parties and festivals. “We want to promote Footscray and all it has to offer,” explains Bell. “A local bar hop is one of my favourite things to do, so I would like to think we’re adding another option to the area,” says Hahipene.

Misfits
30 Chambers Street, Footscray

Open:
5pm–11pm Thur, Sun, Mon
5pm–1am Fri, Sat

@misfits.space