Now Open: Albert Park’s European-Inspired Wine Bar Wally’s Has Seasonal Plates From an Ex-Vex Chef

Wally’s, a new wine bar in a corner building on Cardigan Place, just by Bread Club in Albert Park, is the work of Baxter Pickard.

“I love French wine and always have, so that’s the main focal point,” Pickard (ex- Woods Yard, says of the venue’s offering.

The book-sized wine list includes hard-to-find French chateau wines, made from grapes grown, fermented and bottled within a single vineyard. There’s also a strong Australian focus with both contemporary and back-vintage bottles from around the country.

Pickard is also the founder of online wine store Grapeful. But while Grapeful mostly specialises in small, local biodynamic and organic labels, Wally’s is a chance for Pickard to explore his passion for more traditional, old-world varieties.

Head chef Damon McIvor ( Waxflower, Vex Dining ) has developed a frequently changing menu built around local produce that draws influence from Europe and South America. There are plates like smoked pork neck with kohlrabi and pepitas, and salt and vinegar dadinho de tapioca (a chewy, glutinous tapioca pearl fritter that McIvor was known for at Waxflower). More substantial offerings include a sirloin steak served with classic French bordelaise sauce. For something sweet, there are fruit-forward seasonal desserts like rhubarb and mandarin sorbet, and a buckwheat and almond cake.

Studio Ami designed the space, which feels much larger than its 25-seat capacity. The venue has light fixtures by Aussie designer Henry Wilson and two brass shield mirrors imported from France. But the first thing you’re likely to notice when you walk in is a wine bottle-lined banquette that spans the length of the room, which is dotted with brass tables and set beneath a mirrored ceiling.

There’s room for another 25 people in the outdoor dining space that wraps around the corner of the venue. While it’s not open to the public yet, the second level will be transformed into a private dining room, and will launch later this year.

The venue is named for Pickard’s mini groodle – so naturally, dogs are welcome in the outdoor area.

Wally’s
67 Cardigan Place, Albert Park

Hours:
Tues to Thurs 3pm–late
Fri & Sat midday–late
Sun midday–6pm

wallysalbertpark.com.au