Arrived early for your Gimlet reservation? From June 13 you’ll be able to have a pre-dinner drink at Apollo Inn, a new small bar by Andrew McConnell on Flinders Street.

Apollo Inn takes its name from the hostelry where Gimlet is now located. The sister venue will open on the corner of Flinders and Hosier Lane, with seats for just 28 diners – significantly less than its lofty neighbour.

The space has no kitchen, so guests can expect a pared-back menu that will specialise in drinks and snacks, including freshly shucked oysters and sea urchin, raw tuna sobrassada on crostini, cured meats, cheese toasties and the mother of all crème caramels.

As with Gimlet, Sydney design house ACME has come back on board for the interiors, the fit out taking cues from 1920s neo-renaissance luxury with inlaid chartreuse marble bars, bentwood barstools, curved mushroom lamps and wood panelling throughout.

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“We’re excited to dedicate such a beautiful, intimate space to the refinement of great spirits,” says McConnell. “It’s a singular focus at Apollo Inn; to ensure that what’s in the glass and on the plate are delicious and benchmark.”

It’s not the only new venue for Andrew McConnell this year, with the Sunshine State set to receive its first Trader House venue Supernormal in late 2023.

Apollo Inn will open at 165 Flinders Lane on June 13, with bookings available from June 8. More details at apolloinn.bar and @apolloinn.bar.

Related review: Gimlet named best restaurant in Victoria in the delicious. 100 for 2022