Always Live

Wed 02 Oct

Dinner and a show: Ballarat

Where to eat and drink before curtains

By Always Live

Is Ballarat the most beautiful town in Victoria? It’s not for us to say, but we can inform you that it’s the state’s largest inland city, the traditional land of the Wadawurrung People, it was the launchpad for the Victorian Gold Rush of 1851 and it’s very gorgeous.

Ballarat’s live music venues Volta, Her Majesty’s Theatre, Civic Hall will all play host to international heavyweights St. Vincent, Jack White and Andy Shauf, while The Goods Shed Terminus Theatre will welcome The Boite: Maiem – Song of the Torres Strait Islands, for an afternoon of song, community and tradition.

There’s still gold everywhere in Ballarat if you know where to look, and we’ve got you covered with a few special spots to hit before a show.

Grainery Lane:

Gabled ceilings, decorated with lush ferns interspersed with majestic chandeliers and a single-arch bar carved in the 1800s, walking into Grainery Lane is akin to stepping back in time to a Wild West era saloon. With a keen focus on sumptuous innovative, cocktails and Western hospitality, this new watering hole (Grainery Lane is about to celebrate their first birthday!) is a welcome addition to Ballarat’s thriving bar scene.

Check out: their Maple and Bacon-Washed Old Fashioned

Ellington’s:

Ellington’s Wine Bar is a European style neighbourhood bar, run by passionate Ballarat locals. The team at Ellington’s pride themselves on their carefully curated selection of wines thoughtfully chosen to complement their seasonal menu of small, shared plates. The bar’s tasteful interior is decorated by dark wood panelling, shelves of international and local wines which line the walls and bentwood chairs, transporting guests to France without even leaving the state. Enjoy Ballarat’s long summer twilight with a glass of vino on their rooftop. Magnifique!

Check out: Italian Meatball Sub & Wine $20 every Friday from 6:00pm

(Ellington's Wine Bar and Rooftop)

Aunty Jacks:

If a delicious brew is more your speed, check out Aunty Jack’s on Mair Street. Taking the famous saying “from ferm(enter) to table” to a whole new level, the team at Aunty Jack’s brew over 100,000 litres of beer on site per year, including lager, pale ale, stout and seasonal selections. Built on the ethos of celebrating the artisan craft of brewing and supporting sustainable agriculture, not only can folks enjoy a beer in house (and takeaway their favourites) but can feel good doing it!

Check out: AJ’s Trivia Night, hosted by Spud and every Wednesday night!

Cattleya Signature:

Cattleya Signature, the third restaurant from Alex and Katie of Ballarat institutions Cattleya Thai and Eatsy Thai, opened in August of this year. Their menu zeroes in on the bold flavours and authentic ingredients emblematic of excellent Thai cuisine.

Perfectly balancing tradition with a modern twist, the team have cultivated a sense of community and warmth in their brand-new space.

Check Out: Choo-Chee Tiger Prawn