Swallow Bar

Swallow started with a set of hand-stitched 1920s train seats. Owners Zoe Roy and Meredith Bastian had already secured the heritage building along the Maylands tourist precinct when they stumbled upon the seats, complete with original luggage racks.

So began their quest on a train theme, complete with antique light fittings and artworks from Paris. Creaky wooden floors, pressed tin and a sweeping wooden bar set the scene for a nostalgic journey.The name was inspired by a rubber stamp found at a Parisian flea market, featuring a swallow.

On the menu enjoy finely sliced Gingin beef fillet smeared with horseradish cream, celery heart, crispy garlic and pickled shallots. Or perhaps an omelette whipped up in your honour? That’s if you can resist the cheese trolley or French doughnuts with cinnamon sugar, blueberries and cream.

As the band beats out jazz, soul, blues, rockabilly or funk, sip on an Aperol Spritz with Cremant de Bourgogne Brut, or a French Orchard Martini made with apple brandy, lemon, lime and pear.

Sometimes swing dancers fly about the cosy bar and pour out into the courtyard. As the only spot on the strip serving alcohol, live music and weekend brunch, Swallow certainly is a destination worth getting sentimental over.