Feeling the chill? Head to one of these cosy winter watering holes where crackling fires await.

Ferdydurke

Up the stairs past Ferdydurke’s hidden entrance, you’ll find a grungy loft space with a flaming fireplace. Pick a spot by the window and order off the winter drinks menu. Our suggestion? That would be the New York sour, served in a fiery combo of Four Pillars shiraz gin, bourbon, vanilla and lemon.

A fireplace inside a bar
Ferdydurke's fireplace

The Botanical 

Right by the Royal Botanic Gardens, The Botanical boasts beautiful views year-round. With casual eats in the bar and intimate dining in the brasserie-grill, there’s a spot to suit everyone. The fireplace in the main bar will tempt most winter escapees. Order a spicy margarita, pull up a chair in front of the fire and settle in for the afternoon.

The Lincoln

Art Deco features, locally-sourced produce and a refined gastropub menu is what keeps locals coming back to The Lincoln. Comfort food faves include the pork and fennel sausages, juicy Cape Grim sirloin and fat, golden potato chips. Warm up by the roaring fireplace as you peruse the drinks menu. We reckon a glass of red goes down nicely by the fire.

A couple handing each other a plate of food in front of a fireplace at a restaurant
The Lincoln

Town Hall Hotel

Town Hall Hotel is a laid-back winter haven for classic pub grub and low-key bevs. The dining room boasts a toasty open fire, while the no-frills heated beer garden stays warm all through winter. Pay a visit on Mondays for Townie Trivia, and keep your eyes on the Town Hall socials for gigs and event info.

Fortress

For a less-than-traditional experience, head on down to the medieval-inspired tavern at Fortress Melbourne. The fireplace here is very on brand, using 8-bit pixels to 'warm' the space. Gather around the animated flame with cocktails and pizza, then kick on with bottomless boardgames or an arcade sesh.

The interior of a bar
Gather 'round the Fortress fire

Trinket

Leave the chilly winds outside and snuggle into Trinket. This whimsical treasure is known for a hidden basement bar, but you’ll find the real winter treat at street level. Bag the seats arranged around the fireplace and see what’s on the menu. We love the hearty pizzas and quirky cocktails. Indulge your curiosity with their 'vintage charm'. A heart-warming blend of spiced rum, kahlua, pineapple shrub, pomegranate and espresso.

Westin Melbourne Lobby Lounge

A lazy afternoon reading with a cup of tea, pre-theatre cocktails or first-date wines. The Westin’s classy Lobby Lounge can do it all. Sit by the fireplace with a book from the hotel’s library and take in the elegant atmosphere. One sip of their signature espresso martinis, and you won’t want to leave.

More cosy winter spots

Lesa

Lesa

Serves up locally sourced, native Australian ingredients cooked over a hearth.

Willows & Wine

Willows & Wine

A West Melbourne bar offering books, wine and cheese.

Kirk's Wine Bar

Kirk's Wine Bar

Specialty wine and bar bites offered in a cosy and charming space.

Longsong

Longsong

A vibrant mix of Bangkok and Melbourne, Longsong is the perfect place for a pre or after drink.

Last updated on Wed 13 Jul 2022

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