Fountains tend to be largely aesthetic in function, but not in the case of Melbourne’s latest statue that’s set to serve an entirely practical purpose. Lucky residents of the southern capital will soon be greeted by the city’s first prosecco and spritz fountain.

Ready to land on the Australia Day long weekend, The Smith in Prahran’s new addition promises endless refills of both beloved drinks, to quench your thirst on a likely scorcher of a weekend. The recently renovated drinking hole has introduced the fountain as a part of its Sparkling Springs Sundays event. Commencing on January 27, visitors are welcome to indulge in a package that includes two hours of bottomless prosecco and spritz, and grazing boards for $60 per person. From 2pm there will also be a jazz trio for entertainment while you sip the afternoon away.

The Smith in Prahran is no stranger to a novelty, with the prosecco fountain the latest in a slew of eccentric ideas concerning its drinking clientele. The Sunday sessions join a line-up of events that includes Soul on Saturdays, in which a roaming gospel choir entertains guests.

“We love bringing new ideas to the neighbourhood, and our customers respond really well to novel concepts,” explains The Smith’s manager Andy Croucher about the pub’s penchant for unconventional events. “Gospel brunch is a smash hit, so we wanted to cap off the weekend with another experience-led offer in the atrium.” Paul Waterson, executive officer of The Smith’s owner Fargo, agrees. “We’ve had great success with creating unique and memorable experiences for our customers and are proud to be a leader in this space. We’re always thinking outside the box for new experiences we can deliver, and Sparkling Springs is a very exciting development in the market,” he says.