Here are five wonderful places to visit for a sneaky summer tipple during the festive season – and they’re all in the Sydney Road Brunswick precinct!
What makes Sydney Road so unique and so treasured is its small businesses, each led by passionate and talented makers who work tirelessly to hone their art, to bring you the highest quality food and drink.
Bertoncello is situated at Sparta Place, a tree lined arcade nestled alongside the Hardwick Building. Bertoncello has been a feature of Sparta Place for nigh on a decade.
Owner Michael has travelled the world. His vision for Bertoncello was inspired by his travels and his favourite watering holes in cities such as Zurich, Paris and Amsterdam. Michael had a vision to recreate ‘a tavern in the town square’: a warm, unpretentious and inviting place where locals can meet up.
Bertoncello has certainly captured this vision. On the summery evening that we visit, we are warmly greeted by Michael who mixes up two summer tipples. The first, ‘Festive and Frivolous’ is made with Mrs Bakers Festive Gin and Spiced Ginger. The salted rim is reminiscent of a white Christmas. The second, ‘Yuzu Noir’ is made with Pinot Noir Gin and pops with citrusy yuzu flavour.
We sip cocktails and snack on briny olives in their outdoor courtyard. It’s the most perfect evening.
Have you been to Brunswick’s secret cocktail bar…?
Hidden above The Retreat Hotel, Amelia Shaw takes its name from the Retreat Hotel’s first licensee – way back in 1842. Like its namesake, Amelia Shaw’s décor is inspired by history. Many items of furniture and fixtures, including a very glamorous multi-tiered chandelier, are from the Mid Century and Art Deco eras.
Amelia Shaw is all about cocktails. If you want to keep with the theme, try one of their many classic cocktails, such as a dirty martini or an old fashioned. There are also a range of beers, wines, spirits and crowd-favourite cocktails such as espresso martinis. Or, chat to the staff about your favourite tipple: they can make a few additional options by request.
I was lucky enough to sample a berry sour, made with mixed berry jam – sweet and light. I also sampled their dirty martini, served ice-cold in a classic martini glass.
Magnolia joined Sydney Road in mid-2023, and in this short time, it has gone from strength to strength. Recently, this culminated in a Chef’s Hat at the Good Food Guide Awards 2025.
Magnolia is such a rarity. It is a place that immediately puts you at ease, that is serious about the food and wine served, but without the smallest hint of pretence.
We visited Magnolia on a busy Saturday night when the bistro was at full capacity. We were seated at the bar and immediately made to feel welcome by co-owner and wine specialist Lawrence. On his recommendation, we sampled the black pepper gougère with comté, alongside a glass of chardonnay by Dirty Black Demin – Lawrence’s own label.
The gougère was masterful. Crisp and light, warm and savoury. The rich custard perfectly complemented by the crisp, clean wine. Eating and drinking in this intimate, warmly lit interior is deceptive. You could be mistaken for thinking you are in a top bistro in Paris.
Two flights of stairs above The Cornish Arms sits one of the best rooftop bars in Melbourne.
With views over Sydney Road and the CBD skyline beyond, it is the perfect location for a cold pint or a frozen margarita during the summer months.
The rooftop pizza oven produces pizzas that are light and crisp, with a signature leopard print base (the markings of the best pizza). On our visit, we try the classic margherita. It is made to order, arriving piping hot, with just the right amount of tomato and melty cheese.
The rooftop menu, which offers a range of bar snacks as well as pizzas, is complemented by the full menu at the pub downstairs, which is known for its many vegan options.
We wash our delicious pizza down with Aperol spritz and icy beer. It’s a match made in heaven, or as close to heaven as a rooftop gets.
True to Melbourne’s laneway character, Red Betty is tucked away in a laneway just off Sydney Road near the border of Brunswick and Coburg.
Self-described as a ‘mysterious music venue’, Red Betty is open every day until late, offering a range of entertainment across the week including live music, stand-up comedy, open mic and all vinyl nights. Red Betty is a favourite among many local hospo workers.
Red Betty is such a little gem. Inside, it’s filled with vintage furniture, art and memorabilia – including a vintage arcade machine. Outside, a large red neon sign: ‘Betty’ shines down on a relaxed beer garden.
There is a quality drinks list, including a range of cocktails and beer on tap. Happy hour is available every night between 5pm and 7pm.
On the night we attend, we are warmly greeted by bartender Joel who pours us two ice cold pints. Joel is also in charge of the music playlist. It’s a fun mix of many favourites. Despite its hidden location, before long the place is full, and for good reason.
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