There’s a new kind of midweek ritual unfolding in the CBD, with Mill Place Merchants turning Thursday nights into a mix of secrets, champagne and low-lit atmosphere.
Running from 6pm to 9pm each week, Bubbles and Admissions invites guests to drop anonymous confessions into a submission box, with the most jaw-dropping entry of the night earning a $200 reward. It’s a simple concept, but one that leans into the venue’s speakeasy setting and the kind of conversations that tend to surface after a drink or two.
The bar itself is tucked down a laneway, with a hidden entrance that opens into a candle-lit space built around vintage detail and a quieter, more intimate pace. Inside, smooth jazz sets the tone while the drinks list sticks to classic cocktails, made with a focus on traditional recipes.
For the Thursday sessions, there’s also a curated offering of Veuve Clicquot, giving the night a slightly elevated edge. A glass can be paired with the venue’s lobster and king prawn roll, served in toasted brioche, or matched with dishes from a broader menu that reworks familiar bar food.
The format encourages people to settle in rather than move on quickly. Write something down, drop it in the box and see how the night plays out.
It’s not trying to be a loud or high-energy event. Instead, it leans into mood, small groups and a sense of curiosity about what others might share.
Bookings are available online here, though walk-ins are also welcome if you can find the door.
Mill Place Merchants is at Ground Floor/2 Mill Pl, Melbourne 3000.
