Wines of While

It’s not hard to understand the appeal of this bolthole. Unashamedly inspired by and modelled after establishments such as Embla (Melbourne), 10 William St (Sydney) and P.Franco (London), this cosy, 50-seater bar and takeaway bottle shop is a celebration of organic and natural wines. A chalkboard details the day’s by-the-glass offerings; selections take in everything from fresh and gluggable Italian-Australian whites to blush, skin-contact wines made from mtsvane, a grape native to the ancient winemaking country of Georgia. The selection changes from day to day, if not from afternoon to evening. Any of the 200 wines in stock can be bought and drunk at the bar.

The menu is tight and proudly Mediterranean in make-up – think terrines, pastas and addictive slow-cooked cannellini beans – and plays exceedingly well with the wines on offer.

Dark of crust and chewy of crumb, the sourdough is essential eating. The focus on baking extends to the knackebrot, a crisp Norwegian flatbread accented with sesame and nigella seeds and served with each day’s cheese selection. Coffee options begin and end with Twin Peaks filter brewed using a MoccaMaster. A small selection of boutique and big-brand beers is also available.