The gorgeous corner spot that houses bayside’s newest wine bar, Wally’s Albert Park, had us at hello. The Studio Ami-designed space is the very picture of European elegance with its brass tabletops, miniature lamps and velvet banquettes. Just add a marble-topped bar and waiter’s station, all reflected in an antique mirrored ceiling, and you can file it under “effortlessly chic”.
Owner Baxter Pickard is a visionary wine buff from way back. He’s behind online bottle shop Grapeful and for his first hospitality venue he’s assembled a 300-strong collection of international drops, including some covetable rarities and back-vintages.
The wine list alone is enough to keep anyone happy, but then there’s the snack-centric menu from chef Damon McIvor to consider. From Sydney rock oysters with house hot sauce and lemon to smoked mussels with native curry leaf on a hash brown (our new favourite canape) it’s got style and substance. If you’re packing a larger hunger there’s also jus-drizzled sirloin with pumpkin that’s perfect for the colder weather.
Once the sun comes out, however, there’ll be nowhere better to be than sitting at one of the outside tables where you are welcome to bring your dog, too (Wally’s is named after Baxter’s own beloved pooch so you’ll be in good company).
As Wally’s opening neared, KDPO organised and managed a venue photoshoot with leading hospitality photographer Pete Dillon. Pete’s excellent photos helped secure an exclusive first look piece in The Age Good Food, which was subsequently syndicated to other capital city titles including The Sydney Morning Herald and WA Today. Wally’s also struck a chord with food and lifestyle publications such as Hospitality Magazine, Domain Review, Broadsheet, Domain Review, Herald Sun, Urban List, Concrete Playground, Time Out and Sitchu.
