Looking for a spot for after work drinks with a bit of a twist? The Natural History Bar is an expansive pub situated right on Collins St. With its mustard colour interior and warm lighting tones, it’s a venue that will help you transition into the cooler autumn months. 
We entered with the intention of sampling the newest food items on the menu, but it was the natural wines that first caught our eye. And it was the Piano Man, Matt Ganim, who kept us sticking around for seconds. We started the night cheerfully chatting with the venue’s bar manager about his passion for bio dynamic, organic, and natural wines. The bar stocks approximately 250 different wines all of which, we were assured, have been ‘tried and tested’! It’s the vino at this venue that stands out (as the beer taps are owned by Carlton/AB InBev).
In addition to new menu additions like cured salmon and spicy beef tartare, the updated offerings also expanded the vegetarian options. We sampled a filling gluten free vegan lasagne along with my personal favourite – a summer tostada. I can’t claim the flavours were wholly authentic, but the crispy shell exterior provided a satisfying crunch which gave way to a sweet barbeque eggplant interior.
With full bellies and a glass of wine in hand, we pulled up a seat next to the piano for smooth renditions of Britney Spears, Guns N’ Roses, and, yes, Billy Joel’s ‘The Piano Man’. The Natural History Bar is a place where CBD workers can hunker down this winter with warming drinks and classic pub food before braving a cold trip home. Start with $6 house wines during happy hour, then stick around to hear Gamin tickling the ivories on select evenings.
– Jenny
Jenny S. is an event adventurer. When she’s not attending live shows, you can find her sampling the latest craft beer or sipping a creative cocktail.
Natural History Bar
401 Collins St.
Melbourne VIC 3000
www.naturalhistorypublicbar.com
