NOW EXPERIENCING:Longsong

Under the acclaimed chef Scott Pickett, this CBD bar delivers supercharged Thai flavours in its smart cocktail and snacks lists within a seductive high-ceilinged space with a saloon-ish vibe.

Longsong bar, Melbourne
Why you goLet’s face it, Melbourne has no shortage of architecturally interesting bars. There are rooftop bars and basement bars, bars in shipping containers and bars hiding down a snaking labyrinth of city laneways. But Longsong is Melbourne’s first bar in a former horse stables – and for an extra historical quirk, it’s on the first floor. The heritage-listed red-brick building at the top of Chinatown is anchored by Thai restaurant Longrain on its street level, while Longsong is the lofty sibling bar sprawling magnificently above it (and if you’re wondering, the horses used to be led up via a ramp). Under chef Scott Pickett, the Thai theme plays out through the excellent cocktail and snacks lists, as well as in the glowing lanterns hovering overhead like it’s Lunar New Year every night of the week.
Why you stayLongsong is one sexy space, and it’s also fun to the power of 10. There’s a saloon-ish vibe to the place with its nosebleed-high ceilings and hoof-scuffed red-brick floor (we’re serious – take a look) and an easy-going attitude to the staff who know their stuff but don’t have to shout about it. It’s both intimate and epic. Take a date to show off your “secret Melbourne” knowledge; be part of a gang that takes over the dedicated bar area. Play it your way.
Longsong bar interiors, Melbourne
Tasty drinks served at Longsong bar, Melbourne
What drink to orderThe best way to get into the Longsong spirit is to hit the list of Thai-inspired cocktails. An excellent primer is the Soi 75, a punchy combination of tequila, prosecco, galangal, lime and coriander with a rim of chilli salt – a comprehensive riff on the sweet, spicy, salty and sour balancing act of Thai food. Also go for the Puttin’ on the Spritz, a refreshing fizzer of Tanqueray gin, St Germain elderflower liqueur, apple juice and prosecco, or lean into a dark and moody blend of rye, Italy’s bittersweet amaro liqueur, Thai tea and pandan in the Tea-licious. There’s no shame asking for the classics, or heading to the short beer list featuring the likes of Tiger on tap, Hop Nation and Temple Brewing. The wine list comes packing a round-the-globe ticket and is weighted in favour of those aromatic whites and lighter reds that go well with spicy food.
What to pair it withThere are no banquet feasts à la Longrain here. Instead, it’s all about the snacks, which deliver supercharged flavours in a couple of flame-licked bites. It’s envelope-pushing stuff. What other bar delivers mini fried egg-nets filled with caramelised coconut, tofu and peanuts, pipis in a fiery vinaigrette with Chinese doughnuts for sauce mopping, or the retro good times of prawn toast amped up with the “typhoon shelter” flavours of fried garlic, ginger and chilli? Sweet-tooths ought to beeline for the apple pie roti, which unites the oily flatbread with caramelised apple and rum butterscotch, proving humanity isn’t doomed after all. 
Delicious food and drinks pairing at Longsong bar, Melbourne, Australia
Regular's tipWe love a happy hour, and Longsong makes it count with $10 beer or wine with a prawn betel-leaf chaser – just like you’d do it in Koh Samui. It’s all yours each evening from 5:00pm until 7:00pm. Also worth factoring into your plans are the DJ sets from 6:00pm Thursday to Saturday.
Don’t leave withoutMake sure you take a proper look around the double-tiered space to really appreciate why the gorgeous meeting of heritage bones and modern style was shortlisted for a number of design awards. The private loft space overlooking the floor action will have you feverishly planning your next significant birthday/wedding/any-excuse party.
Who to takeIt’s the perfect bookend to a Thai banquet at Longrain, whether you’re talking apéritif or digestif. Even better, grab a bunch of workmates and take the option of Longrain’s Friday lunch banquet featuring its greatest-hit dishes before kicking on upstairs with cocktails and DJs. Nobody works on Friday afternoons anyway. 
Friends, workmates at the Longsong bar in Melbourne