The Tig Archives

Insider's Guide to Melbourne

The Tig - 12th February 2015

One frosty London evening over dinner and drinks with my friend, Bella Musgrave, I had the pleasure of meeting the unforgettable Sophie Edelstein. As a director, screenwriter & Arts Editor of RUSSH Magazine, Sophie has her hands immersed in the creative, and that's clear the moment you meet her. An ebullient personality with a flair for fashion, she's one of those people who exude cool. So when we talked Tig and Sophie revealed that beyond her roots that seem to portray her as a girl who is très française, it turns out she's actually an Aussie. The impetus for Insider's Guides was to have the coolest person from any given place, tell you where you need to go: where the locals go, where the cool kids frolic, and where to find the hidden gems without scouring the web endlessly. I've never been to Melbourne, but rest assured Sophie would be my choice tour guide down under. Take it away, Soph!

FROM SOPHIE:

When Meghan asked me to create an Insider's Guide to my hometown of Melbourne, I must admit I was thrilled. First and foremost, Melbourne is a romantic city with its expansive parkland, river, and wide streets. Melbourne is also a city full of contradictions— from its bustling art scene (which can veer into ironic hipsterdom, explaining why Melbourne has the best coffee in the world) to its sophisticated pearl-wearing set who frequent a strip of cafes opposite the gorgeous Botanic Gardens. There's something for everyone. And even though Melbourne is a little more low key than Sydney or Brisbane, believe me, there is so much to love about this city!

STAY

The Art Series Hotels – You could pick any one of The Art Series Hotel Group contemporary boutique hotels out of a hat and you'd be incredibly happy with whatever you'd choose. From their newest, Vogue-approved Larwill Studio, to the uber-hip concept hotel The Cullen, to my favorite, the lovely Olsen in South Yarra, I promise you won't be disappointed.

Park Hyatt – If you're looking for luxury, the buck stops with The Park Hyatt in Melbourne. Surrounded by green and trees, it's truly the most luxe way to stay in the city. Plus, it's convenient—it's just across the park from my favorite restaurant, The European. I've had a wild night or two at The Park Hyatt, so I have to say, it's pretty fun.

The Adelphi* – A decor-heavy, whimsical hotel in a converted warehouse, The Adelphi is a boutique hotel unlike any that you've probably ever stayed in. And while its crazy cool aesthetic seems as though it's the reason to book, the best part of The Adelphi is its 9th floor made of perspex glass, so you can stare at at the passerbys on Flinders Lane below.

EAT/DRINK

The European – This luxurious restaurant is the staple of my life in Melbourne. It is on Spring Street, right at the top of the city. It feels old and has character, plus, it's open late. The food here is just so good. I could survive exclusively on their oysters, steak tartare and the phenomenal wine list. You sit on the street underneath the trees and the romantic, dappled light couldn't be more perfect.

The Melbourne Supper Club – Just above the European sits the Supper Club, which is like an old gentleman's club with huge chesterfield sofas where you can pop up to after dinner. And if the weather is nice, you cab also head to their rooftop wine bar, Siglo. It has a view of Parliament House and you feel like you might be in Paris – except you can order sausage rolls and party pies until 3am. Their martinis are so good they'll pull you out of even the deepest depression.

Toff in Town – Toff is my favorite bar located two floors up inside the Curtin House building with a complete railway carriage inside it, which provides you with booths you can shut yourself into (and this is fabulous for a true sufferer of anxiety like me.) Downstairs is the uber-fun Cookie Beer Hall, which has delicious Thai food and lots of hipsters. The Rooftop Bar and Cinema is also fun in summer, especially when they screen movies.