Gingerboy Upstairs Review

Review By Yeliz Selvi

Nestled a top a black, narrow staircase is Gingerboy restaurant's finest addition, Gingerboy Upstairs Cocktail and Wine Bar. No, it's not a freckled selection of glossy, ginger-haired barmen, but a setting of burnt-sunshine tones no less.

If you managed to hold on to spare change after dining downstairs or if you're keen to stay clear of the shoulder-rubbing scene of the restaurant bar, then take your polished brogues and suede heels on upstairs.

The fine bar steers few away from the cobbled stone Crossley Street breeze that awakens at intervals when street-goers dare to step in for a seat downstairs.

Harmonising with modern tones of velvety red and black timber, Gingerboy Upstairs proves that risky textures, clever lighting and even translucent barstools can do wonders for small spaces. Of course, a floor to ceiling window may have helped too.

Once you have opted to settle in either the lounge, bar or dining areas, with choice of leather couches, ottomans and small tables you can take in hand a menu to a gateway of endless drink choices.

Our waiter was sweet and the waitresses almost too kind. The barmen are eye-catching and attentive. Gingerboy maintains well in its exquisite choice of staff.

Again, you may want to count your spare change if you're shouting a round of cocktails rather then local beers. Cocktails price at an expected $18, and they are well worth every penny.

Listed as a 'Gingerboy favourite' I opted for a safer take on exotic ingredients with 'Gin No Name'. An eclectic blend of fresh kaffir lime leaves, delicately potent lemongrass, sweet litchi liquor and sophisticated tanqerie gin, the almost-but-no-to-sweet cocktail really didn't require much name at all, just the senses.

Beer brews range less than $15 and you can take a sweet pick of fine fizzes, whites and reds. If the menu doesn't cut it the glowing bar shelves will have you gazing from the walk in.

Much like the diners, as close in proximity as they may be, the comforting crowd are secluded in conversation and on the hunt for nothing more. Business suits and alternatively quirky bow ties make appearances amongst men, keeping well to their mid-twenties and not much younger and ladies approach in casuals and silhouette heels, ranging a little older then their fine male counterparts.

The barely three-year-old cocktail and wine bar sets apart from the restaurant with flair and dark-floored sophistication. But it can't help to still maintain its sweet dining experience - which is ultimately fine if you did surpass the front door downstairs chaos.

Without overpowering the taste palette perhaps opt for the subtle spice-kick of their steamed prawn dumplings ($15). The select of savory snacks reflect no comparison to their downstairs counterparts. The fine Gingerboy trait trails even up the trickiest steps.

Melbourne sets the cocktail quality standard high with the likes of Gingerboy Upstairs. Just be sure to get in before 1am and beware of functions running on the evening - you would hate to miss out on the dreamtime.

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