Arbory Bar & Eatery

There are big bars, and then there’s Arbory Bar and Eatery. When the decrepit, 1854-era Sandridge train line next to Flinders Street Station was demolished, it was replaced by this outdoor drinking spot which runs for a full 150 metres along the Yarra’s north bank.

Designed by Jackson Clements Burrows Architects, the decked alfresco area connects the Princes Bridge and Southbank footbridge. Half that length is taken up with a large container housing a kitchen, bathrooms and two bars, which light up like a glow worm when the sun goes down.

Named after the natural canopy, or “arbor”, that the plane trees create overhead, Arbory is a rolling all-day operation open from breakfast until late.

For those in early the menu runs from coconut muesli and banana pancakes to corn fritters. As the day rolls on, out comes the double cheeseburger, hot dogs and crumbed mushroom burgers. From 6pm on Thursday evenings, a roving cart slings Pacific oysters with lemon and optional tabasco for $2 a pop until sold out.

The drinks list has a focus on smaller craft beer and cider producers such as Mornington Peninsula Brewery, Thunder Road, Stone & Wood and Golden Axe Apple Cider. There’s also a range of cocktails.