Baxter Pickard was an Albert Park local until six months ago. The founder of Wally’s, a new wine bar opening in the suburb next month, tells Broadsheet he would go to “good old Bread Club” every week when living in the area.

That’s how he came across the location for Wally’s, which will open in the two-storey corner building neighbouring the bakery. “One day I walked past, and they had the [for lease] stickers up, so I got them to walk me through and by the end of the day [I] grabbed it.”

While it may seem fast, for Pickard, who is also the founder of online wine retailer Grapeful, opening wine bars and restaurants was always part of the plan. “When the right site came up, I was ready to pull the trigger,” he says.

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He worked with Collingwood-based studio AMI on redesigning the space to create what he describes as an approachable wine bar with European, but mostly French, elements complete with light fixtures from Aussie designer Henry Wilson and two brass shield mirrors imported from France.

When it opens in April, Wally’s wine list will have a big focus on French and Australian drops. “I’ve got a big book of a wine list that I’m pretty proud of,” Pickard says, noting that there’ll be a big emphasis on back vintage bottles. He’s been scouring online auctions to find bottles including a 2000 Jasper Hill Shiraz and some 2002 vintages from Mount Mary. Pickard will also draw from his experience working at cocktail bars in Adelaide to create a small cocktail program for the venue.

Head chef Damon McIvor (Waxflower, Vex Dining) will oversee a European-inspired menu that leans mostly French and Italian. There’ll be pasta, steak and small snacky plates all cooked out of the venue’s small kitchen.

Inside, there’ll be room for 25, and when the weather cooperates, room for an additional 25 people to drink and dine outside. The venue is named for Pickard’s 10-month-old mini groodle, so dogs are welcome in the outdoor area.

Wally’s will open at 67 Cardigan Place, Albert Park, this April