Melbourne cocktail bar Above Board will host the internationally acclaimed team from The Cloakroom for a one-night-only bar takeover this Saturday.
The Montreal bar claimed the title of third best bar in Canada in 2024, now bringing its world-class hospitality from its own 25-seat cocktail bar in Montreal’s Golden Square Mile to the 16-seater Melbourne bar.
Above Board Founder Hayden Lambert told Bars and Clubs: “Most of our collaborations come together pretty organically – this one was no different. Tom Price, who looks after Michter’s Australia, casually dropped, ‘hey, The Cloakroom’s coming to Australia, want to do an event?’. Obviously, we said yes.
“Above Board and The Cloakroom have a lot in common. We both love amaro, we both put the guest experience above everything, and we both appreciate a well-made drink without the unnecessary fluff. It just made sense.”
Above Board and The Cloakroom share a similar hospitality ethos of hosting walk-ins only in an intimate space with cutting-edge cocktails.
Presented in collaboration with Mitchter’s Whiskey and Los Siete Misterios artisan mezcal, the takeover will bring together the styles and techniques of both bars, providing an opportunity for The Cloakroom to showcase its ingredient-driven approach through signature amaros, tinctures and syrups.
Guests can expect cocktails like French Connected, a smooth, layered mix of Michter’s Rye, Calvados, Cocchi Americano with herbal depth and a touch of cherry pit and earl grey tinctures. Other cocktails include Brick City (Michter’s Bourbon, gentiane liqueur, lemon, celery bitters and absinthe mist) and Pinky Ring (mezcal, Cloakroom Amaro, Campari, sherry and a touch of Fernet).
Highlighting Melbourne’s strong appetite for international bar takeovers, Lambert added: “It’s a long haul to get anywhere from Australia, and even harder to get out. So, when we get the chance to host world-class talent, we jump at it. These takeovers pull in cocktail lovers, and anyone who enjoys drinking something exceptional.
“We’ve recently hosted the likes of Nico de Soto, Mace, NYC and Danico, Paris; Ricardo Luggano, ex-Connaught and now Head Creative of Manhattan Bar, Singapore; Ksk from Bee’s Knees, Kyoto; and Grazia de Franco – each time, it’s been a blast.”
On the evening, the event will be split into two ticketed sittings at 6pm and 8pm, each will last 90 minutes and include three cocktails from the Cloakroom team for $85 per person.