A moody subterranean cocktail bar hidden beneath W Melbourne, serving precision-crafted drinks in a futuristic space.

Curious: Where Architecture Meets Alchemy

Descending the spiral staircase beneath W Melbourne leads to Curious, the hotel’s hidden bar and one of the city’s most visually striking drinking spots. Designed with sweeping timber arches and sculptural lighting, the space wraps around you like a cocoon. It’s part lounge, part gallery, and entirely built for atmosphere — dim light, low bass, and the quiet theatre of bartenders at work.

Everything here is intentional. From the rhythm of the room to the scent in the air, Curious is a masterclass in how design and hospitality can shape a mood without a single word spoken.

The Cocktail Program

The drinks are as considered as the space. The menu celebrates Melbourne’s cultural mix with ingredients like wattleseed, lemon myrtle and Davidson plum, reimagined in cocktails that balance nostalgia and innovation. A Yarra Negroni, a Pavlova Martini, or the coffee-and-spice “Midnight in Melbourne” — each one lands with perfect precision.

Plates are small and focused: oysters dressed in Thai-style vinaigrette, wagyu sliders, and prawn toast reimagined as an elegant snack. The staff move with ease and purpose, guiding you through the list without the usual bar clichés.

Melbourne’s Late-Night Escape

Curious opens from late afternoon until well past midnight, and the mood shifts as the hours roll on. Early evenings hum softly with conversation, while late nights build into something darker, louder and magnetic. It’s not a bar that shouts for attention — it draws you in instead.

Hidden beneath the bustle of Flinders Lane, Curious feels timeless and cinematic. It’s one of those rare places that reminds you why Melbourne’s nightlife still sets the standard: confidence, craft and quiet allure.