Just above the street at 280 Little Collins Street, a new after-dark spot has quietly opened its doors. The Lodge Bar by Rodd and Gunn sits tucked away on a mezzanine level, the kind of place that feels like a find rather than a destination.
Step inside and it leans straight into mood. Low lighting, rich timber panelling and plush seating set the tone, while sculptural lighting by Volker Haug adds a soft glow across the room. There are subtle nods to Art Deco throughout, tying it back to the building’s history without overplaying it. The overall feel lands somewhere between a private lounge and a neighbourhood bar, polished but still relaxed.
It’s the kind of venue that works across the board. Dates, small groups, after-work drinks or even a solo stop-in all fit naturally here. Nothing feels forced. It’s designed for people who like to find their own spots and settle in.
The drinks list sticks close to the classics but keeps things interesting. Expect properly made martinis, a solid house negroni and a rotating lineup of seasonal cocktails coming out of the venue’s Cocktail Laboratory, led by Matt Bax. There’s a quiet sense of experimentation running through it, with flavour influences pulled from New Zealand, Australia’s hinterlands and traditional bar americano culture.
Food plays a supporting role. A short list of small plates keeps things simple and lets the drinks lead the experience, which feels like the right call for a space like this.
The Lodge Bar is part of a broader move from Rodd and Gunn into hospitality, sitting alongside its retail presence while adding something more immersive. It’s detail-driven without feeling overworked.
Melbourne has no shortage of hidden bars, but this one feels like it will quickly earn a regular crowd.
The Lodge Bar is at Mezzanine, 280 Little Collins Street Melbourne. More information here.
