Curious Bar at W Melbourne has finally rewarded the patience of cocktail connoisseurs and bar fiends around the country, and revealed a little more about what we can all expect when the bar opens in February 2021.

Curious is set to become one of Melbourne’s most sought-after cocktail haunts, and with it’s chic, oh-so-Melbourne vibe, which promises eclectic music, creative cocktail concoctions and a positively more-ish menu of share plates and small bites… it’s easy to see why.

Related news: These are the best bars in the Melbourne CBD for Friday night drinks

In order to find the lush new location, you’ll need to seek out a secret laneway entrance on Market Street, and descend a dramatic, slightly Alice-in-Wonderland-esque spiral staircase.

Once inside, guests will be greeted by a soothing, cocoon-like design, meticulously constructed by arranging timber beams in a striking parametric sequence. Adding to the seductive allure of the interior is a rich design palette of deep, dark tones and earth materials.

The cocktail menu –– carefully curated in partnership with disruptive independent spirit distributor Proof & Co –– offers even more of a reason to mark your calendar. Drawing inspiration from three of Melbourne’s key cultural pillars: fashion, art and (most importantly), coffee.

A Curious Ristretto is first cocktail to been unveiled, offering an insight into the yet-to-be-revealed boutique cocktail menu; and perhaps confirming that coffee does, indeed, run through Melbourne’s veins. The magical concoction is a creative twist on the classic espresso martini, infused with nutmeg smoke and then sealed with beeswax, to ensure that the aromatic vapour is only revealed upon your first sip.

Related story: 10 amazing cafes you’d only find in Melbourne

“Working with the W Melbourne team on Curious has been a wonderful adventure of discovery. There is an exciting energy in the brand that fuels creativity and we’re excited to see Curious to come to life,” said Spirits Evangelist Charlie Ainsbury, of Proof & Co. 

As for the spirits list? Expect a strong showing from boutique local distillers, and a substantial spotlight on Melbourne purveyors, alongside an ample, yet curated selection of international craft brands. For the oenophiles, there’s also an extensive wine list, which will undoubtedly channel the bar’s eclectic vibe and focus on independent local creators.

Related story: Party like it’s the weekend at Melbourne’s best pizza joints

Executive Chef Jihun Kim offers a curated a menu of small plates and sharing bites, with a focus on unexpected flavour combinations designed to impart a sense of culinary adventure, while also fuelling plenty of lively late-night revelry.  

Music programming looks set to prioritise emerging local talent and note-worthy visiting artists, with beats expected to focus primarily on new and next Australian artists.

Curious promises to be one bar that lives up to its name, as a destination inspiring both desire and keen interest among local cocktail aficionados and visitors alike.

Curious will open its doors at W Melbourne in February 2021. To stay up to date, head to wmelbourne.com