The large lavish bar and events space reveals a new look under the helm of the Scott Pickett Group
Longsong, located on level one of the iconic Melbourne restaurant Longrain, reopens the doors to its expansive Thai-inspired cocktail bar and events space. Set in a converted horse stable from the 1900s, Longsong is a sophisticated space and the ideal spot for mingling over drinks and bar snacks, with DJ tunes in the background.
“Longsong is for the well-travelled, creative, easy-going yet sophisticated patron. Longrain has been a Melbourne favourite for decades, and we’re excited to be carrying this tradition forward with Longsong, making it the perfect pit-stop for pre-drinks and snacks, after-work drinks and social gatherings,” says Scott Pickett
Busy bartenders mix signature cocktails with Thai influences and showcase an extensive list of the best local craft beer, wine, and spirits. Longsong’s signature Thai-inspired cocktails include:
- Soi 75 – Corazon reposado tequila, galangal, lime, coriander, prosecco
- Sundress – Tanqueray gin, kaffir, lime, Thai basil
- Return Of The Mac – macadamia infused Ester navy gin, Campari, Adelaide Hills Rosso
- Dragon Kiss – mezcal tequila, Campari, amaro Montenegro, lemon
- Puttin’ On The Spritz – Tanqueray gin, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, apple juice, prosecco
- Tea-Licious – Sazerac rye, Averna amaro, Thai tea, pandan
Longsong’s snack bar menu is designed to pair with cocktails. Dishes change constantly, so no two visits will be the same. Expect tasty bites from the Snacks, Raw, Fire or Fried menu like:
- Yum Pla Sago-Krob – Cured tuna, calamari, trout roe
- Yum Gai Zabb – Popcorn chicken, larb, kaffir lime mayo
- Laughing Tiger – Twice cooked beef shin, green chilli sauce, mustard leaf
- Hlum Hua-Plee – Mini eggnet, sour mango, green apple, caramelised coconut, tofu, peanuts
For those who like to follow a happy hour special in Melbourne CBD, Longsong has two $10 specials, available between 5pm and 7pm, Wednesday to Saturday. Choose between a glass of beer or a glass of bubbles paired with the prawn betel leaf. Longsong also has a resident DJ playing 6pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Longsong artfully mixes Melbourne and Bangkok, with interiors celebrating the building’s equine history. The two-storey stable once housed carts, wagons and 46 horses for William Angliss & Co, and gained fame for the unusual practice of housing stables upstairs, with the stone floors notably worn by horses pawing hooves to reflect the history.
Beyond the moody and dimly lit set of stairs (laid over the original horse ramp), Longsong opens up, with large concertina windows overlooking Little Bourke Street and romantic flickering lanterns glowing from the soaring ceiling. The space is divided with high tables, intimate booths and private dining spaces furnished with leather banquettes, marble and smoked mirrors.
Anthology Studio was briefed to create a mood and emotion where an expansive space could adapt easily to evoke a more intimate feel. Founder Sarah Townson was engaged to mix existing elements with a respectable nod to the past, offering her signature bespoke detailing of elegant masculine joinery and layers of texture.
“The design direction is a seductive, intriguing and sultry mood with the layering of curtains, metallic leather booths and marble with smoked mirror joinery,” says Sarah Townson of Anthology Studio.
Longsong continues to be a sought-after spot for private parties, weddings and corporate events in unique spaces; The Loft, The Stalls, The Yard, or in booking out the entire level for events of up to 250 people.
Opening hours:
Wednesday–Saturday: 5pm till late
Walk-ins only for Longsong bar
Available for private events seven days.
Image credit: Alex Squadrito