Where and how to get your wine bar fix in East Bentleigh, Parkdale and Cheltenham as coronavirus restrictions ease
Wine bars in the southeast are ready to throw open their doors again post lockdown. But business owners and drinkers will have to follow a strict set of rules outlined by the State Government to avoid a penalty.
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Wine lovers across southeast Melbourne are finally out of the woods as neighbourhood watering holes prepare to throw open their doors from June 1.
Wine bar owners in East Bentleigh, Cheltenham and Parkdale are ready to raise a glass as they welcome back their beloved customers, despite a complex mix of dining rules and regulations set out by the State Government.
Those looking to snag a seat have been urged to make a booking at Wolfe and Molone East Bentleigh, Garden of Good and Evil Cheltenham and Lum Bar Parkdale so they don’t miss out.
Under strict guidelines individual bookings are limited to six people and no more than 20 allowed in a dining room at one time.
Patrons must be seated at a table - not a bar - and remain 1.5 metres away from each other and must consume a full meal with drinks.
Victoria Police can issue on the spot fines of up to $1,652 for individuals and up to $9,913 for businesses for failing to follow the rules.
Fines of up to $20,000 for individuals and $100,000 for businesses are on the cards for those facing court over breaches.
Wine and cheese diehards Tanya Hanouch and sister Monique from Wolfe and Molone East Bentleigh are kicking things off with a bang at their swanky Centre Rd catch-up spot, hosting a “Back to Mine” dining series celebrating Middle Eastern and Mediterranean culinary delights on June 3.
The Hanouch sisters had to slash their customer intake from 60 people to 10 people to abide by area-per-customer rules but are looking forward to putting on a feast for those who reserve a place.
Customers can only stay for two hours and a full meal with alcohol must be purchased.
“As we pair delicious flavours with our favourite wines for the perfect dining experience, you’ll enjoy five courses paired with some amazing wine from the Mediterranean,” Ms Hanouch said on social media.
“We can really say we would not be here if it wasn’t for (customers’) kind words of support, and thirsty and hungry bellies, that allowed us to keep the lights on and our doors open.
“I know many in our hospitality family have suffered and have had to close their doors permanently.”
Lum Bar Parkdale business partner Lee Thakrah only got to enjoy one month at their newly opened gin and wine hotspot before the virus cut the fun short.
Ms Thackrah said the group would take bookings for June 4 onwards but would also accept walk-ins if there was extra space available.
“It was a really short stint before the coronavirus but we did really well,” the Dingley Village mother said.
“We miss our clientele and we can’t wait to catch up with them again.”
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Garden of Good and Evil Cheltenham owner Steve Larkan said the group was thrilled to open the Station Rd wine and tapas haven again, with their next-door Asian street food restaurant Hattori Hanzo remaining open for takeaway only.
Mr Larkan said the bar would be open seven days a week as of June 1 and was moving to a bookings-only system with 5pm, 6.30pm and 8pm booking slots.
“We can have eight people inside and 20 people in the beer garden … we’re excited to get some drinks happening and continue takeaway next door,” he said.