Located in Lonsdale Street at the heart of Melbourne's busy business district is 'Bar Of The Year 2007' Golden Monkey. Hidden behind a door is a visually captivating 1920's explosion of an oriental Shanghai temple.
Once you walk through the front door you are faced with a staircase leading down to a decor of wall features, red and browns, leather couches & old wooden stools, mirror painted designs... and thats's just the seating area. Once you work your way to the bar, you truly feel what it would be like to have a drink in Shanghai 90 years ago. With stacked shelves full of quality liquor and hanging glasses; walls covered in red floral designs contrasted against creme background really add that 'scenic' ambience. The deep red polished bar is surround by high wooden stools, with low hanging creme lamps (matching the wall designs), give that 'cave' like feel without the claustrophobia. There is also an area back upstairs outside for people wanting to smoke.
My first experience was by accident: bar crawling with a few friends trying to find a great place for cocktails. When we first arrived and were seated, cucumber water was served and an elegant yet ancient styled menu was given to us. The range of cocktails were great, especially with names like Scorpion, Velvet Voodoo and Drunken Monkey (my personal favourite being Cheeky Monkey) and we knew this place would be an experience. You can ask for custom-made cocktails or simple well-known drinks - with their range of alcohol it's no problem.
Golden Monkey is not just a bar, but also serves a range of Asian tapas. Being a finalist in the "Best Bar Food Selection 2006", you know you are receiving quality made food. The menu also caters for vegetarians so this is a great option for everyone.
In terms of prices Golden Monkey I have to admit is a little pricey. Cocktails range from $15 to $30, and it's a great place to try new drinks but I wouldn't recommend starting a tab (if even available). The food prices are typically priced a little higher being that it is a tapas styled menu, really being no different to any other tapas places. Though the Golden Monkey is a little over budget for a Friday night out, it is a place you must visit once not just for the ambience but cocktails.
At the Golden Monkey you will most likely find people aged 21 years and over, being that is it more of a sit down venue rather than a dancing bar, majority of customers are business people or cocktail birthday functions. Golden Monkey accommodate larger groups for functions, with an option of areas to host them; you can choose from Opium Den, Red Cranes and Emperor's Pavilion; all packaged with food and drinks. Golden Monkey also host special events like Tiki parties and Chinese New Year celebrations, with a mailing list available for continual updates on these celebrations.
Overall I must say that the
Golden Monkey is quite an experience, an experience I personally recommend. If you are all about atmosphere and detailed themes, then Golden Monkey is the
place for you.
