08 Jul Waterslide Bar, Southbank

Waterslide Bar is the newest addition to Southgate, taking its place right next to La Camera. Fred Siggins (of Black Pearl) and Former Australian Bar Manager of the Year, Tim Wastell (Rockpool Perth, The Blue Diamond, The Saint St Kilda), have teamed up to create the cocktail menu and extensive drinks list, featuring wines and spirits, including nine pages of whiskeys.

Techne Architecture and Design were in charge of the fit out, utilising dark timbers, gold and purple shades to create an ambience of retro elegance. There are plenty of different spots to hang out, from cosy lounge chairs and cushy booths to bar seats and outdoors stools.

Its unusual name is explained by the fact that there was once a waterslide occupying this site in the 1900s, which would deposit thrill seekers into the Yarra. Though I highly doubt anyone would want to be propelled into the Yarra in this day and age, Waterslide Bar still boasts amazing views of the city from the river side.

Gin And Lavender Gimlet Punch

Its signature cocktail menu features modern combinations and also pay homage to the site’s heritage. There’s the Wirth’s Circus, with Tequila, fresh pressed watermelon juice, Cocchi Americano and coriander, and the Prince’s Court, with Tanqueray gin, whole lemon, lavender syrup and lemon thyme garnish.

Name In Lights-Pampero Blanco, Passionfruit, Lime, Pho Spices, Viet Mint $17; Grace Kelly-Hendrick’s Gin, Pear Juice, Earl Grey, Honey, Cinnamon Syrup $20

Two other signature cocktails available are the Name in Lights containing Pampero Blanco, passion fruit, lime, Pho spices and Vietnamese mint, and the Grace Kelly, a combination of Hendrick’s Gin, fresh pressed pear juice, Earl Grey, honey, cinnamon syrup and dehydrated apple garnish. Name in Lights was lovely and refreshing, whilst the Grace Kelly gave quite a kick.

Paloma – Tromba Blanco Tequila, Capi Pink Grapefruit, Lime, Spiced Salt ($14)

The food menu contains a few items, from lighter options like Mediterranean-style pickled and marinated octopus, and market fish carpaccio to heartier ones like pork belly skewers, deep fried gnocchi and soft shell crab po’boys.

Spicy Beef with Tomato Chutney

Twice Cooked Pork Belly Skewers with Spiced Plum Sauce

Goat’s Cheese Tarts

Lamb Pastries

Arancini filled with Italian Tallegio and Garlic Aioli

Arancini filled with Italian Tallegio and Garlic Aioli

The moreish arancini were moist and crunchy, and the garlic aioli was a great pairing.

Kataifi Prawns

Pulled Pork Sliders

Paella with Pulled Chicken, Prawns, Chorizo Crumb, Corn

My favourite dish was the paella with chicken, prawns, chorizo and corn. It was so flavoursome and the ingredients were generously interspersed throughout the rice.

Mushroom Risotto

Waterslide Bar has something for everyone with its wide ranges of offerings for all sorts of budgets, and its prime location make it a venue to consider.

Disclaimer: I was invited to the launch of Waterslide Bar as a guest, however, opinions expressed here are purely my own and not influenced by them in any way

Waterslide Bar
Southgate
Shop MR3 Mid Level East End, Southgate Avenue
Southbank VIC 3006
waterslidebar.com.au