Melbourne’s The Understudy enjoys a winter revival

One of Melbourne’s well-loved cocktail bars has undergone a major seasonal transformation. The Understudy, long known for its moody subterranean charm and inventive drinks, has relaunched this winter as The Understudy Ski Lodge, a temporary alpine-inspired venue set to operate through the colder months.

Located beneath the hustle of the CBD, The Understudy Ski Lodge is a fully themed winter pop-up designed to transport guests from city streets to the kind of alpine retreat usually reserved for Europe’s snowier altitudes. While the entrance remains as discreet as ever, marked only by a log cabin-style door and bronze stag knocker, the space inside has been reimagined as a cosy après-ski hideaway.

Think chalet-style interiors, timber accents, oxblood leather seating, and vintage alpine artwork. The atmosphere leans heavily into sensory cues: pine, cedarwood, subtle tobacco in the air, flickering candles, and plush textures that wrap guests in warmth. Faux fur throws and cowhide touches help complete the picture.

But the real draw, as always, is behind the bar.

The new cocktail list is a deep dive into alpine flavours and winter nostalgia, combining classic techniques with inventive twists. Highlights include:

• Winter’s Orchard – Talisker Skye meets pink lady cider, spiced syrups and cassis, served hot in hand-warming ceramic cups.
• Chalet Noir – A robust mix of bourbon, hazelnut, chai and stout, finished with grated chocolate and served in an egg-shaped glass.
• The Midnight Slope – A rich blend of Biscoff-infused bourbon, banana liqueur, black walnut and coffee bitters, built for sipping slowly.

Each drink is designed to be a sensory experience as much as a cocktail, with presentation that leans into warmth and comfort rather than spectacle.

On the food front, the team has curated a sharing-style menu built for long winter evenings. Dishes include oven-baked camembert with rosemary, Moroccan-spiced halloumi, charcuterie and cheese boards, pork sliders with truffle chips, and a classic chocolate fondue with all the trimmings. Small snacks and house sourdough round out the offering.

The venue is walk-in only and operates exclusively on Friday and Saturday nights from 5pm until late, through the winter season. Capacity remains intimate, by design, making it a strong candidate for post-shift staff drinks or a tucked-away date night.

For bar professionals, The Understudy Ski Lodge is a seasonal concept that gets the details right, from scent to sound to service flow, without veering into novelty. It’s a reminder that thematic hospitality can still be grounded in solid technique, great product, and a clear narrative.

Expect high demand, limited seating, and a menu that makes you want to linger. After all, no one rushes a good après-ski.