Crossing the Moat…

 

When a few months ago I heard that the Moat, a new cafe/bar/restaurant, was opening under the State Library in Melbourne I was thrilled. But then I dawdled and delayed and for some reason simply didn’t find time to go visit. Silly me. Last Thursday in dire need a glass of bubbles Dino and I headed here for a post work drink and noise catch up.

The Moat is located to the side and underneath the State Library near the entrance to the Wheeler Centre. You walk through iron gates, down a few steps and along a fake grass (cute and kitsch rather than tacky) walk way, past a coffee service window and with a few outdoor are like seating areas and into the building.

 

The  inside is broken up into several spaces and absorbs the book theme in a cosy dark gentleman’s study kind of way. I loved it. We headed towards the main bar/restaurant area and took a seat at the bar as we chatted with the friendly waitress. We both ordered the house champagne which was delicious, French and very reasonably priced at $7.

 

The menu looked really interesting with a good blend of snacks and main meals all just the little bit interesting. I have every intention of returning her for a dinner and perhaps a coffee in the near future. The food we watched being prepared from the bar (open kitchen) and that we saw coming out looked good and the drinks menu provided a good range of options (including some interesting vegetarian and gluten free options).

One of my favorite features was the book shelves packed with books that makes me feel happily at home here and I feel the need to try sitting in each of the areas sipping wine or coffee…perhaps with a book.

The Moat is open Monday – Saturday (and fingers crossed one day on a Sunday!) and has free wi-fi.

 

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