Brunswick East’s beloved neighbourhood bar and bistro, 98 Lygon St, is welcoming the warmer months with the debut of its newly refreshed courtyard — a sun-soaked escape bringing effortless European charm to Melbourne. To celebrate, the venue has launched a daily Aperitivo Hour (4–6pm), where guests who purchase two cocktails will receive a complimentary snack. It’s the perfect invitation to ease into the evening with a drink, share a bite, and drift naturally into dinner, just as you would on holiday in the Mediterranean.
The courtyard makeover channels the breezy elegance of Marseille and Corsica, complete with white-washed walls, linen-topped tables, chilled Parisian lo-fi beats and even a 50-year-old olive tree offering gentle shade. During Aperitivo Hour, standout sips include the playful Cherry Ripe Milk Punch, La Renaissance — described as “like drinking a summer strawberry cloud” — and the signature freezer-door Martini served dry, dirty or filthy. It’s an atmosphere designed for long, lazy afternoons that stretch seamlessly into the night.
In the kitchen, Head Chef Brian Macalister brings serious culinary pedigree from Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe and top Melbourne venues. His summer menu balances refined European technique with the comfort of a local bistro. Highlights range from Crudités with 98 Bagnet Verde to Shell-Baked Scallops with wild garlic butter, a golden Shallot Tart Tatin and Market Fish with leek beurre blanc. For those looking to indulge, Chef’s Selection dishes include a bountiful Fruits de Mer and a Cape Grim MB4 Côte de Boeuf served with béarnaise and frites — generous, fresh and perfect for sharing.
Owners Ben Clark and Simon Aukett continue to elevate the drinks program with a selection of vibrant orange wines, chilled reds and light, summery drops that pair beautifully with the new menu and courtyard experience. With decades of experience across some of London’s most iconic bars, their focus remains on warm hospitality, simple pleasures and the kind of relaxed generosity found in Europe’s best bistros.
98 Lygon St Bar & Bistro is open seven days a week from midday until late.
For more information or to book, visit the venue at 98 Lygon Street, Brunswick East, or head to their website: 98lygonst.au
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