German Sparkle Party alert! (Okay, not really. But you never know.) Hophaus is a Bavarian-style beer hall and restaurant that’s just opened in Southgate in Southbank. Steins of beer, pretzels, and shots of Jägermeister all featured at the opening party — Prost!
Prost! – photo via Fuller PR
Hophaus is upstairs in Southgate, with a tucked-away entrance that you wouldn’t immediately know about. But you’ve probably already seen people enjoying the bar: its huge balcony overlooks the Yarra. Now you know which bar they’re gazing down on you from!
photo via Fuller PR
The interior — designed by Peter Maddison of Grand Designs Australia — is all about modernising the classic German beer hall. At the opening night party, the long tables were shared by people propping up their glasses of lager.
photo via Fuller PR
Being the opening night party, we were treated to a sampling of some of the menu items, aka Kleines Essen (small food). As you’d expect, there was a German twist to many of them. While some of it seemed a little tokenistic (think: sauerkraut on oysters), the standout dish for me were the miniature sausages in buns. Absolutely gorgeous, and as good as some of the wurst I ate when I visited Germany. I’m going to have to go back for a full-out German style meal featuring some of the rotisserie meats sourced from around Victoria.
something for the carnivores – photo via Fuller PR
snack time! – photo via Fuller PR
The beer selection is damn good — and I know whereof I speak, since my +1 is German. He was quite impressed with the extensive list, pointing out that they had the dark beer that he loves to drink at home in Germany but finds nigh impossible to source here. This could well become the new haunt of Germany/Austrian/Swiss folks hankering after a taste of home.
some of the many European beers on tap – photo via Fuller PR
Theresa and her +1
Since our visit, my +1 has been back a second time, with plans for a third visit. That’s a definite sign that they’re doing something right. And as for the party Fuller PR put on — well, when you walk in and are immediately offered warm shots by adorable European waiters, and you walk out with a gift bag of a huge pretzel, a drink ticket, and a mini bottle of Jägermeister, you know they’re doing something right, too!
Gastrology, The Modern Con, and Decisive Cravings also reviewed the opening night, which was a fun introduction to a place I probably would have walked past without knowing it was there. That’s the fun of exploring new venues. I hope you try out a pint one afternoon on Hophaus’ balcony — with a side of Kartoffelpuffers.
-Theresa
Hophaus Bier Bar Grill
Mid Level, Southgate Restaurant & Shopping Precinct
Southbank VIC 3006
www.hophaus.com.au
Disclosure: The Plus Ones were guests of Fuller PR.
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