First Look: Abbotsford Bar Mikey’s Serves Chilli Crisp Margaritas in an Unfussy Space

Spenser Paul and Kristian Marshman had been eyeing 268 Johnston Street for two years before they finally secured the lease. The duo met while working around the corner at Bodriggy Brewing Company – Paul as a bartender, Marshman as bar manager – until both left the business in 2023. With the opening of their first bar Mikey’s last weekend, they made a grand return to the neighbourhood. 

While Bodriggy is focused on craft beer and Central and South American food, Mikey’s is a casual bar where cocktails are the star. The drinks list is simple, with six house and six classic cocktails, plus a solid beer and wine selection. “We wanted to still keep a cocktail focus, but without being a cocktail bar. I don’t want to be wearing a waistcoat. Not to frown on anyone that does, but we wanted something a lot more welcoming and bright,” Marshman says.  

The duo plan to update the menu seasonally, with current house cocktails taking inspiration from home and abroad. From Melbourne With Love is made using entirely Melbourne-based spirit brands, with Starward Honeycomb whisky and Saison Black Walnut Vermouth; a Nikkei Collins pairs umeshu with sloe gin and lemon; and the Spicy Mezcal Margarita is infused with Lao Gan Ma chilli crisp.

While there’s no kitchen, bar-goers are encouraged to order pizzas from Hot Listed diner Rita’s, just across the street. The 13-inch pies can be ordered via QR code and are delivered right to your table. 

Both Paul and Marshman come from strong hospo backgrounds. Paul was trained in wine at Merricks Creek and Crittendon Estates, worked at Red Hill Brewery and managed the bar at Robata. Marshman clocked time at Madame Brussels, New Gold Mountain and Double Happiness before managing the bar at Bodriggy and then managing Taquito. 

“I think we’re both really proud of being the new generation of hospitality owners,” Paul says. “For us, it’s about adding something to the street, we want to be able to sustain and help build this beautiful little nightlife precinct that we’ve got.”

They spent the past 10 months renovating the site, formerly Fat Nancy’s, with the help of AC Paul Constructions (run by Paul’s father). The biggest change is to the outdoor courtyard. When they got the keys, outside was just gravel and a few picnic tables. Now there’s a wood-boarded deck, booths and a long bench dotted with tables and an awning that provides partial shade and coverage on rainy days.

Mikey’s Bar
268 Johnston Street, Abbotsford
(03) 9387 5698

Hours:
Wed 4pm–11pm
Thu 4pm–midnightFri & Sat 4pm–1am 
Sun 2pm–10 pm

mikeys.bar
@mikeys.bar