If I had a club, this would be it. A Melbourne institution since the late 50s, Jimmy Watson’s was the first wine bar in Australia and a leader in bringing the idea of ‘table’ wine (not just fortified) to our palettes and habits. Downstairs is a restaurant and bar; upstairs is more seating and club-type rooms for the restaurant; out the back is a super-leafy courtyard; and new to the venue is an annexe bar and roof-top – so something for everyone. The place is always busy with something … and the family define ‘convivial’ for the Melbourne hospitality scene. Situated right at the top of Carlton’s famous Lygon Street, it might be the perfect drop-off point for any tour to the north, east, or south-east.
Photo: Josie Withers
