Orange is the new black in Melbourne this summer, thanks to must-visit pop-up bar Club Aperol at Fatto. The Aperol crew invited us over for a round of spritzes in the sun this weekend and I have to say it’s a pretty slick operation.
The view-blessed terrace outside Fatto Bar & Cantina has been transformed into a chi-chi urban country club, complete with astroturf, market umbrellas and a vine-shrouded bocce court. From 15 January, the space will be reworked around a tennis theme to tie in with the Australian Open. Ace.
During the post-work Aperitivo hours (5pm–7pm), a classic Aperol Spritz can be yours for a mere $7. After 7pm it steps up to $10 – which is still a bargain – and a handful of Aperol cocktails also come to the party. Throw in a DJ and some of Melbourne’s most Instagrammable vistas, and you have the makings of the perfect pop-up.
After a traditional spritz or two, we sipped our way through the Urban Sunset of Aperol, bitters and vermouth ($12), a lighter, brighter take on the negroni, and the Un Pizzico D’Italia (that’s a Touch of Italy, $12), a refreshing, summery blend of Aperol, Bulldog gin, cucumber, basil and ginger ale.
These zippy, peach-hued spritzes may look innocent enough, but as you’re knocking back Aperol, Prosecco and soda through a straw, they can quickly creep up on you. Nip any naughtiness in the bud by ordering Harry’s Bar chicken sandwiches ($9) or a grilled mortadella panino ($12) from a short list of snacks coming out of the Fatto kitchen.
If the weather’s playing ball, you’d be hard pressed to find a better place to celebrate the Melbourne summer. Put this one on the must-do list.
Club Aperol at Fatto
Wednesdays to Sundays from 5pm, until 31 January
100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne (near Hamer Hall)
aperol.com
