Melbourne Welcomes New Bar

By Rebecca Harris

A brand-new 200 capacity venue has last night (Feb 4) officially opened its doors in Melbourne’s South Yarra.

Located on the site of the old Viper Room, Red Bennies is the brainchild of Chris Mitchell, Garrath Holt and Daniel Teuma, who share a background in music and hospitality.

With a focus on live music acts and DJS, co-owner Mitchell said that he hoped to introduce a “new attitude” towards the Melbourne bar and club scene.

“We have designed Red Bennies to act as both an intimate space to enjoy high-quality drinks and food, as well as a dynamic entertainment venue,” he said.

The venue will feature four bars, including one with an outdoor area overlooking Chapel Street, as well as raised seating in the style of traditional jazz clubs, to allow patrons to view bands.

Red Bennies also has a drinks menu featuring over 100 cocktails, including the Smoked Whisky and Dill Sour, a twist on the classic Whisky Sour, with the addition of dill.

The venue’s launch week is featuring live music acts by groups such as Thief & Wolfgramm, The Melodics and Cookin on Three Burners.

Last night’s opening also launched their regular Thursday night ‘Bitches Brew’, which will feature regular female DJ acts. Similar launch evenings will also be held tonight and tomorrow night.

“We believe people are looking for more from a night out than the typical fare at most of Melbourne’s bars,” said Mitchell.

[Fri 05/02/2010 12:43:15]