Circus Bar and Nightclub

What to Expect @ Circus Bar and Nightclub

By Cassie McBlane

Let's face it, we'd all love to picture ourselves in the bourlesque fantasy that is Moulin Rouge - or perhaps make-do with feeling like we are in a Panic! At the Disco music video. It may not star Nicole Kidman or Brendon Urie, but Circus Bar and Nightclub definitely sets South Yarra on fire with its enchanting environment.

For those that are stuck with being the designated driver, the two main car parks are located smack-bang next to the venue, with reasonable rates for a piece of mind that your vehicle will be safe upon the party life that is Melbourne. For those that are in need of some greasy food to vacuum up that alcohol, there is also a McDonalds a few doors down. Sounds peachy doesn't it?

Apart from feeling slightly claustrophobic when setting foot inside the entrance, the appealing red curtains, walls and flooring is a glamorous, 19th century-like welcoming into what seems to be a unique experience on the eyes - and really, it is just that.

Occupying the walls of the main bar room downstairs are stunning chandeliers, framed mirrors, classical artwork and gorgeous antique stools on the timber-planked floors and go smashingly against the large bar that coincides with the dance-floor.

Unfortunately, that bar is also starving for all your pennies, and will leave you with little left by the end of the night. Basics start from $8.50 - though I must admit the Vodka Raspberry and the Vodka Sunrise were superb - as well as champagne from $7.50

If you are craving for that cigarette which is keeping you from indulging in the bar prices, the balcony on the second level acts as not only the smokers area, but also the function room and is stunningly furnished.

Unlike many venues who chuck a beer garden and some ashtrays in an outdoor space, Circus take pride in their balcony view, by bordering the space with couches, which mimic that of classic-styled, four-post beds from the 19th century. This is also conveniently transformed into a sheltered and enclosed area for bad weathered days.

At first, the appearance of the venue can be intimidating and often an issue when decided what outfit will suffice for the night, but let me assure you, a nice pair slacks and a button-up shirt will do fine if you're gentleman, and a dress with heels for the ladies. The club may play the part of an upper-east sort of vibe, but the visitors certainly don't dress the part.

One downfall about Circus (and perhaps the major off-putting element to it) are the toilets. Getting confused with your girlfriends and winding up in the wrong gender bathroom is embarrassing, especially when you're already slurring your words. Mainly, this comes down to the bad arrangement of the area, where the two bathrooms are split by one wall, with one, single opening for them to share. Ah, that's not a sink, that's a urinal.