St Kilda Branch

The Branch, in St Kilda, occupies a most auspicious place. Right on the corner of Barkly and Acland Streets, the location has played host to many a successful, leisure-based establishments. The previous incarnation, Jackie-O's, was quite popular with St Kilda's gay set and became quite a bibulous destination. You could say, that The Branch has big shoes to fill. And is if in awareness of this fact, the bar is pulling out all stops to prove itself a worthy addition to the neighbourhood.

The drinks list is the first thing to hit you as you walk in the doors at The Branch; quite literally if a jovial friend throws one at you. Packed full of alcoholic treats, the list covers everything enjoyable in the finer months, right through to those times when Melbourne begins to channel London's weather. Jugs of cocktails - margarita, Long Island Ice Teas, Pimm's Cup and more - are yours to share, and make the ideal companion for large groups. If you'd prefer something you can hold (and remember drinking), they come in standard glasses as well. The wine list also does ok for itself, with Australia composing the majority of a list populated here and there with NZ and Euro varietals.

But if you're after a beer for a lazy Sunday arvo, then you might do to delve into the bottled list, as there's only a couple available on tap. Try a Pure Blonde if you're watching your figure, or a Melbourne Bitter for something distinctly local.