Foley Lane

Oxford Street rocks out in fits and starts. There’s never really been a time when it’s a straight-up-and-down solid offering. But at the moment there’s more to recommend the disco strip than ever before. Look beyond the 5am kebabs, brawling drag queens and gaudy two dollar shops and embrace a world of cute little bars that have sprung up over the past few years just spitting distance from this famous stretch of road. There’s Shady Pines, of course, but there’s also Darlie Laundromatic, Pocket, and Foley Lane – just recently opened next to the Oxford Hotel, inside an old day spa. Owners Julian Marchetto and Nathan Moses have created the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink. It’s a beautiful room - all white tiles, polished concrete and comfy bar stools. It feels like a mix between London’s St John and Melbourne’s Cumulus Inc, where you can rock up and have an Estrella (on tap, no less) and maybe a tin of anchovies.  Or if you’re of a mind, you can go big on ex-Mamasita chef Nelson Burgos’ menu of Spanish bites.  It’s about a casual good time here, whether that’s a wagyu slider and a Bourke Street Bulleit (Bulleit bourbon, lemon juice) or bottle of fino and a mint flan. Long may the Colombian and the Midnight Shift rule, but we welcome the diversity that places like Foley Lane bring to our fair city.