A different flavour in footscray

Amid Footscray’s well-known Vietnamese and Ethiopian dining scene, Bar Thyme offers relaxed, snack-style plates and lo-fi wines in a warm, open setting.

Chef-led with European flair

Owner-chef Howard Stamp—who’s worked at Movida, The Lincoln, and Le Bon Ton—brings together modern Australian wine bar style with influences from mainland European cuisine.

French tradition, modern touch

The menu changes weekly, but staples like fresh oysters and a classic steak are always on offer. Many dishes are rooted in French bistro tradition—think smoked salmon rillettes with crispbread, crispy lamb tongue with sweetcorn purée, or rock flathead served with a salad of radicchio, pearl barley, and orange.

A love letter to natural wine

Bar Thyme takes a slightly unconventional approach to the wine bar, focusing on natural drops from Australia and Europe, ranging from funky skin-contact wines to more classic profiles.

cocktails with character

The cocktail list rotates often, but you’ll always find favourites like the house Negroni—featuring Melbourne Gin Company gin, Maidenii vermouth, Okar bitters and Bizzarro aperitivo—and the house Spritz with lemon and thyme syrup, dry sherry, and sparkling wine.

Small space, big personality

Inside, the space is cosy and character-filled—a tribute to the neighbourhood bistro, with vintage prints, keepsakes from Stamp’s travels, and empty bottles recalling good times shared.