Spenser Paul and Kristian Marshman had been eyeing 268 Johnston Street for two years before they finally secured the lease.
The duo met while working around the corner at Bodriggy Brewing Company – Paul as a bartender, Marshman as bar manager – until both left the business in 2023.
With the opening of their first bar Mikey’s last weekend, they made a grand return to the neighbourhood.
While Bodriggy is focused on craft beer and Central and South American food, Mikey’s is a casual bar where cocktails are the star.
The drinks list is simple, with six house and six classic cocktails, plus a solid beer and wine selection.
“We wanted to still keep a cocktail focus, but without being a cocktail bar.
I don’t want to be wearing a waistcoat.
Not to frown on anyone that does, but we wanted something a lot more welcoming and bright,” Marshman says.
The duo plan to update the menu seasonally, with current house cocktails taking inspiration from home and abroad.
From Melbourne With Love is made using entirely Melbourne-based spirit brands, with Starward Honeycomb whisky and Saison Black Walnut Vermouth; a Nikkei Collins pairs umeshu....
