With one of the largest collections of whisky in the country – said to be up to 700 bottles strong – you’d expect to see a quorum of beards hanging round Boilermaker House. And you do. But you also see gal pals coming in for knock-off debriefs of the namesake drink – a shot of whisky teamed with a corresponding beer, of which a half dozen duos are offered – and late night, long haired, hospo heads loving the late licence, and city suits sneaking in for a cheeky nip with lunch. It’s a bar, sure, but this latest venture from the Eau de Vie crew has a keener focus on food than any of its cocktail-shaking brethren.

There’s a glorious selection of charcuterie to order in 40g portions – anything from wagyu pastrami to 36 month Iberico jamon – or as a three or five set plate selection. Fancy fromage? This is one of Melbourne’s best places for an after dinner cheese plate, with a stunning selection of home grown and internationals also ordered by serve or platter. There’s venison burgers and roast chook and grilled steak with a beery glaze for the heartier of hunger, all served by a team that rocks as much smarts as it does style.

Boilermaker House might be open till 3am, but this is no dive bar. It is, instead, one of Melbourne’s very best.

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