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YRBA

YRBA

When we started the Yarra River Business Association (YRBA) in 1998, riverside cafes were a rare breed along the Yarra. 

Riverland Bar, beneath Fed Square, first showed us what was possible. Many at the time said that Riverland would never work because it was ‘out of the way’ and it faced south. They were soon proved wrong by the growing band of people who actively sought-out little-known cafes, which are intimately tucked-away throughout the CBD and inner suburbs.

The three guys behind Ponyfish Island then took a failing space below the Yarra Footbridge and showed us how a bit of creativity, designer grunge, and viral marketing could turn it into one of the hottest locations in the city.

The company behind Riverland Bar was one of the earliest to stake their claim along South Wharf Promenade, with the fabulous Boatbuilders Yard Bar. Their mix of open-air dining and homage to the original use of the area won it almost instant appeal. They are taking that same recipe and turning another vault at Federation Wharf into a classy wine bar, to be called ‘Pilgrim’, which promises to be a “must go” place for a glass of pinot after work.

Rapidly emerging before our eyes is yet another riverside bar and café, located between the most southern platform of Flinders St Station and the river. The 1000 sqm deck is clearly visible if you peep over the hoarding. Although not named as yet, it will feature a podium style bar and will serve 60-70 per cent alcohol and 30-40 per cent food, according to Richard Shelmerdine of the HQ Group. That should certainly remove some of the sting for commuters suffering late and cancelled trains.

One of the last, great opportunities along the river remains the Banana Alley Vaults. This beautiful but decaying 1880s structure was built to store and ripen bananas. Its absolute river frontage makes it a prime candidate for what could be the most iconic riverside café, bar and eatery in our precinct. We’re hoping that the State Government soon realises the potential of their riverside heritage asset and will renovate the leaky vaults. The City of Melbourne has committed to repairing the broken bluestone paving and to remove a small wall, so that the whole venue can flow seamlessly down to the water.

Of course, just a step or two back from the waters edge is another raft of great bars and eateries, including Bear Brass at Southgate, World Bar and Left Bank on Southgate Promenade, the exciting array of places in the renovated goods sheds on South Wharf Promenade, including Meat Market. Across the water at WTC Wharf, there’s Byblos, Kobe Jones and The Wharf Hotel. Around the corner in that great little marina village of Yarra’s Edge, there’s also Loading Dock Bar. We’re spoilt for choice these days, whether it be for a coffee, a boutique beer or a full-scale meal.

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