Putting a spotlight on the booming Australian whisky and gin industries, Mornington has welcomed its latest cocktail bar, The Bon Vivant’s Companion.
The Bon Vivant’s Companion is the brainchild of owner Tom Wicks, who hails from Leeds in England and brings more than 10 years of bartending experience to the Victorian venue.
Wicks said: “It has been a long journey to finally bring The Bon Vivant’s Companion experience to the Mornington locals and those travelling from across Melbourne and further away. We are committed to ensuring that every sip is worth every mile travelled and are thrilled to open our doors and welcome guests.”
For Wicks, the focus of the venue is to craft cocktails from Australia’s finest spirits, and guests can expect to choose from a 200-strong in-house selection that includes Lark, Starward, Archie Rose, Plantation, Diplomatico and Grainshaker.
“Specialising in the best of Australian spirits, we are serving up an extensive list of whiskies and gins from all over the country, so there’s something for every taste. We encourage our guests to speak to our bartenders and even try some of our whisky flights to get a little tasting of everything,” added Wicks.
Alongside a selection of classic cocktails, the bar will put a new-age twist on old favourites such as the Manhatatan, crafted at The Bon Vivant’s Companion with Hellyers Road Pinot Noir Cask, Bourbon, Rosé Vermouth, cherry glaze and chocolate bitters.
The team of expert bartenders will also serve up unique signature cocktails, including the Clarified Paper Plane comprising whiskey, amaro, Aperol and lemon, and the Olivette, combining Balcombe Coastal Gin, Pernod, orange bitters and simple syrup.
At the bar, the food menu will feature a selection of small plates such as smoked trout rillette with salmon roe and coconut ceviche, complemented by larger share plates that include a chef’s selection of local and imported cured meats and local and hard soft cheeses with accompaniments.
The bar has been designed to offer a cosy, intimate space taking inspiration from bygone eras, and for a more exclusive experience, The Bon Vivant’s Companion is also home to a Japanese-themed prohibition-era speakeasy accessible for the most discerning spirit enthusiasts, found behind hidden doors or by asking the bar staff for ‘Jane’.
