Spotlight : Tyranny of Distance

We rely on ourselves and work almost independently in a different season, time zone and hemisphere than most of the developed world, so it makes sense that we've managed to cultivate a specific type of scene that turns Melbourne into an adjective. Café and bar Tyranny Of Distance encapsulates this local style and pulls it off with flair. (Plus, any bar name referencing a Split Enz song is a-ok by me.)

You'll find Tyranny Of Distance tucked slightly away from the busy Chapel St thoroughfare, attracting a regular crowd of south-side cool kids plus visitors making the effort from the north. Several Melbourne artists collaborated on the design of the ex-service station, leaving many of the attractive industrial elements still in tact - a gas bottle totem pole, graffiti covering old sins and metal tin sheets - all splayed out across the open-plan bar and complemented with a few licks of bright coloured paint.

The Lubritorium bar serves you one of the Melbourne's best happy hours, stretching from 4pm 'til 7pm daily. Head bartender and drink connoisseur Clark Wainwright says, "we generally support local beers with 99% Australian beers, predominantly from Victoria, including Flying Pig Pilsner and Doss Blockos Pale Lager." The cocktail list is mainly made up of classics with a slight twist, using only the best liqueurs and spirits. "Even with our spirits we are strong Aussie supporters with Cutlas Gin from Maragret River which uses Bush Tomato as one of he botanicals, this served with green capsicum and cherry tomato is a perfect summer freshener." My kingdom for some warm weather. All wines are also Australian, with most regions being covered.

Complementing their impressive drinks list is a menu specialising in lazy Sunday brunches including a chilli scrambled eggs, flatbread, bacon, avocado and preserved lemon salsa to jolt you from your hangover. Tyranny of Distance is modern, "Melbourne", and you don't have to spend six months in a leaky boat to get there.