Grind n Groove

Grind N Groove is an alternative musically influenced bar, cafe and lounge located right in the heart of the Yarra Valley positioned at 274 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville VIC 3777. The bar, renovated from an old Barber shop first opened to the public on the last day of 2005.

In the midst of a diverse fuse of restaurants, pubs, cafes and retail, after over 10 years of successful trade, Grind n’ Groove is very well known for its safe lounge atmosphere and live music. Definitely the place for a quiet drink or coffee, the emphasis is on intimate conversation and consists of two cosy rooms and a sheltered outside beer garden. The venue has a stage area in the front bar which highlights singers and bands that make their way to Grind n’ Groove.

This cosy little inner Melbourne style bar and cafe is almost hidden and lost in a Main street aligned with large old pubs and many shops. Once found, you step inside a colourful space lit with a soft glow of dimmed lighting and candles. Adorned with random trinkets, the vibrations of chilled rock and funky music are flowing through the sound system.

Musicians, youth, locals and tourists are often found seated in personal corners that have walls covered in photos and paintings. The interior keeps that air of mystery and includes a considerable amount of seating spread throughout the two rooms and the outdoor garden.
The atmosphere and ambiance is undeniably the main attraction. It is also their aim to be very individual and as original as possible in their niche.

Often used for private functions Grind n’ Groove is simply ‘a place to chill out’ and relax and be yourself. Sometimes known as ‘Grinder’ by many local and regular customers the venue has been successfully running a Weekly Open Mic Night for nearly a decade. The theory of these nights allows musicians from all genres and all age groups to get up in front of an audience within a warm and encouraging environment to play their original music. The Open Mic Nights are specifically designed to encourage youth in the local area to get involved.
Many amazing artists have been found this way and now grace the stage of ‘Grinder’ on Saturday nights.

The venue welcomely supports signed and unsigned artists from all over Melbourne. Gemma, The Company Director and Venue Manager deals with the many musicians who are chosen to perform at Grind n’ Groove. “My position involves listening to EPs and Demos, and organising young artists to perform here. I really enjoy that I play a small part in supporting the local Australian music industry. Spending time with the youth and then watching them grow to be confident paid musicians is a wonderful experience“.

Music is what feelings sound like and the team at Grind n’ Groove aim to make you feel pleased and vivacious whilst listening to music in their lounge. The venue prides itself on having undoubtedly the best sound system and acoustics in town. This is something that has always been an integral part of the big plan within the walls of ‘Grinder’.

“Acoustics are as important as the visuals, important to the audience and important to the performer. It heightens the level of a performance and provides the best possible satisfaction to the listeners”.

Grind n’ Groove is a continuous work in progress, however in a town of many venues, it has certainly proven itself to be a well established and entertaining highlight of the Yarra Valley that also holds a lot of potential to be even bigger and better in the future.