You can now find native Australian ingredients boosting negronis or garnishing desserts at dozens of venues, but at Interlude, a new bar in South Yarra, there’s a reason behind the finger lime on the scallops.

The Chapel Street spot is owned by two Aboriginal women: Kaylah Truth, with ties to Gurang and Quandamooka in Queensland, and Apryl Day, of the Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba and Barapa Barapa, traditionally located in the Murray region.

The friends started the bar to share everything they loved. Naturally, Indigenous culture came to the forefront – but so did playing Wu Tang on vinyl.

“We came up with the idea to create our own space and do all the things that are missing in other venues,” says Day.

They installed a white marble bar top, contrasted with dark plum upholstery, the look completed by mirrors, velvet and LED lights.

“We loved going to fine-dining places, but we also felt like they weren’t really accommodating to everybody that has a background where we come from,” says Truth.

Truth has worked in bars but is best known for her work as a hip hop artist and dancer, while Day is founder of The Dhadjowa Foundation, which campaigns against Aboriginal deaths in custody - an issue that’s directly affected Day.

In April, the pair opened the doors to Interlude, where they showcase native ingredients and black-owned businesses.

You can get a negroni with Davidson’s plum, sure, but the pair have gone further, creating their own syrups driven by native ingredients. Finger lime and coconut syrup turns up in several house cocktails, including the pineapple and rum-led Desert Bird.

Oysters with finger lime pearls and crocodile in crunchy tempura batter make good drinking fodder. More substantial is gnocchi with warrigal greens and a green ant-infused butter sauce.

Steak with bunya nut sauce comes loaded with Truth’s memories of harvesting the bush food in Queensland. Kangaroo is a staple for Day’s family and holds pride of place on the menu.

The drinks list is peppered with Aboriginal-owned booze brands including Seven Seasons vodka and gin, Mt Yengo wines and Jarrah Boy craft beers, plus Sobah’s non-alcoholic drinks.

These and other suppliers are advertised on the website and highlighted on the menu. When booking, First Nations people can specify if they have cultural dietary requirements.

“We’re taking that extra bit of care to make sure that everyone’s being looked after,” says Truth.

Open Thu-Sat 5pm-1am, Sun 2pm-11pm

44 Chapel Street, Windsor, interludebar.com.au