Last in the phone book but first for exotic imported Asian beers, Zhou Zhou – in South Yarra, Melbourne – is a new watering hole that looks more enticing than an opium den with a half price sale on. This is a drinking bar – something of a novelty these days – and there is plenty of choice to keep even the most parched punter (very) happy. David Zhou’s latest place on Chapel Street (Zhou Zhou is upstairs from his ever-popular Oriental Teahouse) boasts more than 50 lagers and craft beers from across the continent, including rarities like the intriguing Japanese sweet stouts, and if there’s a lingering hangover that needs shifting, try the sake bloody Mary. We dare you.
I mentioned it was an enticing place, and that’s as much down to the interior by Hecker Guthrie as the ale. It will take a few visits to get through the whole of that drinks menu, and the beguiling design, based on The Bund of 1930s Shanghai, will have you coming back for more too. The homely collection of bamboo furniture, colourful textiles and marvellous retro window screens (those prints…) coupled with the dark wood bar create a private club kind of feel, but it’s open to everyone – and till 3am to boot.
