Concrete Boots Bar

At the Swan St end of Burnley St, just a stone's throw from Burnley train station you'll find Concrete Boots, a bar whose name has been inspired by its home near the river. Concrete Boots pays tribute to the suburb’s less gentrified days when unlucky local gangsters often found themselves sporting concrete boots in the Yarra. They’ve even got the bullet holes to prove it – their front door is surrounded by remnants of pistol rounds fired by old mate Squizzy Taylor.

Locality is key to the new venue’s philosophy, with a rotating roster of great independent local brews and Victorian wines. Like the name, a savvy cocktail list pays tribute to the past while introducing a touch of the modern. Choose from the likes of a Love Lychee – featuring house infused basil gin with lychee and rosewater, garnished with a house made wine gum – or the Smokey Joe – a take on an Old Fashioned with house smoked scotch, maple syrup and bitters. The food menu’s as innovative as the drinks list, featuring some of the best burgers in Richmond as well as the likes of Avocado Tartare and Spam Chips (yes, that’s chips made from spam. They’re actually delicious).

The venue has a laid back vibe where customers can lounge, and catch the last of the sun as it sets over the venues western aspect, while listening to old school hip hop tunes. They are also putting on regular nights for meeting local brewers, winemakers and distillers.