Sometimes it’s difficult to present wine without pretence, but Willows & Wine manages just that. The wine bar and bookshop is warm, inviting and above all, low-fuss.
The heritage shopfront gives way to an intimate, low-lit space. A blackboard at the entrance highlights the week’s specials, and one behind the bar features an expanding list of regulars’ names.
The sparse interior decoration intentionally draws the eye to the bookshelf. An entire side of the room is dedicated to its ever-growing collection of books for sale, which mostly features Black, brown and First Nations authors. If you’d rather borrow you’re welcome to do so in the library, or return for book clubs and literary events. The selection of board games is also popular, from Jenga to Settlers of Catan.
On the strong wine list, German rieslings and French rosés jostle for attention, and they’re supported by wines from Australia’s most prominent regions. There’s also a selection of beers on tap, non-alc beers and enough spirits behind the bar to make all the classics. For grazing, the antipasto boards and gozlemes are reliable options.
