Summer 2021

39 Apr21509 Best Restaurant & Live Music Venue - Southeast Melbourne After the initial challenges of lockdown in which it had to close its doors, locally focused restaurant and bar Acrobar pivoted quickly in order to continue serving its community. Believing first and foremost in the power of people and showing its dedication to its local area, it has cemented itself as somewhat of a darling of customer-first hospitality in Melbourne. Acrobar is an exemplary food and drinks venue just off Warrigal Road, and a haven for its customers away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its owner, Brooke Pollock, has lived in the area her whole life, and so wanted to create something through which she could give back – the answer became Acrobar, a place that would combine everything she had grown to love about Melbourne. Offering live music, excellent food, function area spaces, and expert catering available to the surrounding area, Acrobar quickly became a gem of its community and a cornerstone of local hospitality, resulting in an iconic venue that exceeds expectations every time. In addition, its commitment to keeping people as the core of its business is second to none. Between its loyal customer base, its exemplary team of dedicated and enthusiastic individuals, and its quick thinking during the pandemic in switching to delivering meals to the local area, it has proven itself highly adaptable to whatever challenges the world might throw its way. These ‘lockdown meals’ proved extremely popular and has kept everyone busy even whilst it couldn’t welcome people into the restaurant itself, something Acrobar has been extremely grateful for, and taking pride in how much the local community banded together to provide for everyone. ‘Community’, Acrobar says, ‘means so much more in 2021 than it ever did in our generation’, and it wishes to keep fostering this long into the future, rallying behind its local area as hard as possible. This, after all, has been vital to survival during such a global crisis as Covid-19, even at a distance. Due to this Acrobar has funnelled more effort than ever into sponsoring the Heatherton Netball and Football club near to its establishment, as well as the Southern United Hockey Club, sponsorships that will last the whole of 2021 and give the teams the vital financial support they need so that local people can keep enjoying the sports they love. In addition, whilst all this has been going on it has been working on updating and developing its own services. Acrobar recently appointed a new head chef in Paul MARTIN – formerly of the acclaimed White Rabbit restaurant in Brighton and Blue Tongue restaurant in Elwood – who will continue bringing its ethos of ‘great, honest food’. He will have support from his exemplary team throughout, including Acrobar’s wonderful and talented pastry chef, ensuring that its menu has never been better and showing its dedication to constant growth and betterment when serving its local area. Acrobar also takes great pride in sharing things about itself that some may not know; it roasts its own coffee beans, brews its own beer, has a huge selection of gluten free and vegan slices of cake, roasts its own gluten free Museli and superfood granola, has a huge selection of ready to heat meals at $12.50 – made fresh every day – and makes its own take home pies and quiches. Now open for breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, with no booking needed and access to both its indoor seating, expansive garden, and balcony area, it is excited to welcome its patrons back with open arms. Additionally, it will be reinstating its live music every weekend, with amazing artists performing every Friday and Saturday, as well as some Thursdays – all of which are 18+ and have proved a smash hit with regulars and new customers alike. It also has free live music every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on the lawns, which are family and dog friendly. Contact: Franz Madlener Website: https://arcobar.com.au/