Hooha

To get to Melbourne’s Hooha Bar you need climb a graffiti-covered staircase behind a silver door on busy Chapel Street. Once up those stairs you’ll find a gleaming, modern bar. The décor is light and airy, lots of cream and silver with beaten metal tiles and glittering green light fittings. It’s sleek and appealing, a little bit quirky, not too fancy for an after-work beer, but fancy enough for a date with lots of little nooks for nuzzling in. The kitchen serves excellent Italian food and there’s both a wide-ranging beer list and an adventurous cocktail menu, featuring espresso martinis as well as all the classics. While Hooha works as an afternoon coffee spot, it really comes into its own at night. The mood is relaxed and friendly and it’s easy to see why it’s a real neighbourhood favourite. All this and a beer garden too.