Life's Too Short Bar

LIFE’S TOO SHORT BAR is Melbourne’s most romantic hidden gem, housed in the 160-year-old bluestone cellars of the former Victoria Brewery. With 28 wines by the glass, over 40 cocktails and 12 eclectic brews, there’s also an extensive European-themed gluten-free and coeliac-safe tapas and dining menu available from early afternoon until 11pm at night.

Head Chef Sigrid, is passionate about the slow-food movement and her Swiss-French ancestry, so daily specials often feature flavour-packed slow-cooked dishes and new takes on old family recipes, all designed to match the bar’s extensive vintage (old) wine list, curated by husband and Sommelier, Antony. There’s also an old and rare cellar wine list available with wines up to 20 years old.

Those with almost any dietary requirement can finally relax because food is crafted in the bar’s tiny three-square-meter kitchen from fresh seasonal ingredients and prepared with the sort of care and love that you can taste, with the team going above and beyond to adapt or craft dishes to accommodate any intolerances and allergies.

To start you can enjoy a special "First Table" platter featuring some of the 18 artisan salamis and perfectly ripe Epicurean cheese from all over the world. There's also an extensive range of Artisa Tasmania (cashew) cheeses for vegans and the dairy intolerant.

The menu’s tapas dishes then provide a chance to roam around Europe with air-friend Cypriot haloumi, Spanish pan-fried chorizo and serrano jamon, French baked brie with chestnuts and truffle, Turkish felafels and Italian meatballs. Larger mains or share plates like Norwegian Salmon Rösti and specials like 24-hour French onion soup, 18-hour beef Bourguignon or Sig’s famous 72-hour slow-cooked Italian Lasagne are incredibly soul-nurturing.

Those with a sweet tooth can celebrate with a Belgian chocolate lava volcano, but there’s also Italian panna cotta with roasted strawberries and flaming French crêpes along with seasonal specials like butterscotch delight and fig pudding with pink ginger custard. You can even enjoy an old Portuguese port or a bespoke cocktail to match your chosen dessert.

Visiting Life’s Too Short is unlike most other dining experiences – it’s more like visiting a private lounge room than a bar, with super comfy chairs and couches and relaxing bossa-nova jazz. Rotating art exhibitions on the gallery walls and live jazz most Thursdays means there’s always something new to see and hear ... and whether it be cocktails, wine or food, there’s always something new to try!