The Preston Hotel is excited to open its doors to its European inspired rooftop bar, featuring tapas plates, signature cocktails and scenic views of Melbourne’s city skyline.
Located at Rear of 635 High Street, Preston, this latest inclusion to the North side’s bar scene officially opens on Friday 9th February, and is set to offer an exclusive indoor-outdoor ambiance and impressive city views. Accessible through the rear car park of The Preston Hotel, Lulu Bar is a refined alternative to the old school stylings of its counterpart below, setting the tone for evenings with friends and family without having to venture out of the suburb. Created as a gesture to the local community, Lulu Bar owner, Ben Niall comments “Preston and its surrounds are a beautiful thriving community and I wanted to create something they are proud of, that is theirs – their Siglo, their Naked for Satan, their iconic, cool meeting place where they can go a bit Gatsby”.
Styled against a mural of wall art by local artist Sebastian Fransz, the rooftop stands out as one of the only spots in Preston to take in the city views, and offers a unique space to unwind and soak in the local character. Featuring a variety of casual wooden dining tables, benches and sofas, the vertical garden imparts a relaxed European charm, while leaning into the edgy aesthetic of Melbourne’s art scene. Inside, the interior cocktail bar offers a more intimate experience, with its matte rouge walls, vibrant artwork, and softly lit ambiance, creating an atmosphere that encourages relaxed conversations and a sense of refined comfort all year round.
At the centre of Lulu Bar is Chef Pras, a seasoned expert with experience in adapting a fine dining philosophy into a casual and affordable setting. Reflecting the ethos of bringing the community together, the menu revolves around the concept of tapas-style sharing plates, with their signature dishes including the Grilled Calamari served with rocket and a paprika aioli; Chicken Croquettes with corn and a peri peri mayo; and the irresistible Sticky Pork Ribs; while also featuring freshly baked house-made pizzas.
The food is accompanied by a bespoke cocktail menu, including a homegrown Hibiscus Pink Spritz with rhubarb, pomegranate and a strawberry gum; a classic Espresso Martini crafted from hot-extracted Brazilian coffee; as well as refreshing frozen alcoholic slushies for the warmer summer days. Complementing these offerings is a hand-picked range of premium wines and spirits, locally sourced craft beers and mixed drinks, providing a diverse spectrum of choices.
The venue offers a dynamic atmosphere with DJs and curated playlists filtering through the bar at scheduled times, as well as a transition to indoor music, providing an ideal space for those looking to extend their evening without the need to relocate. Seeking to engage the local community, Lulu Bar will host rooftop cinema evenings, wine tasting experiences, provide a platform for local art exhibitions, as well as taking private bookings for parties and events.
Lulu Bar will be celebrating their opening night with a public event on Friday 9th February, including up and coming North-side DJ, Luqman. Bookings are highly recommended to secure your spot, and can be made by calling The Preston Hotel or via Instagram direct message.
Key Facts:
Lulu Bar is located at
Rear of 365 High Street, Preston, VIC, 3072
Open Thursday 3pm – late
Friday – Sunday 12pm – late
