As surreal as the book by Witold Gombrowicz that Ferdydurke takes its namesake from, this bar tucked up a flight of stairs in Tattersalls Lane is the perfect place for both a relaxed night out and a boogie.
LIVE MUSIC AND DJs from some of Melbourne’s best local and international underground acts. With regular events from Wednesday through to Saturday, Ferdydurke provides an upbeat soundtrack to the city.
FAMOUS FOR their open fireplace, floor-to-ceiling walls plastered with surrealist art, and cosy nooks.
INFAMOUS FOR their drag and drawing night hosted by Aubrey Haive from RuPaul’s Drag Race. A wild night of costume, drawing and drag!
This cosy laneway bar boasts a great selection of local wines, spirits and decadent cocktails – including twisted tastes on classics, and other crowd faves including a Vodka, Rosewater, Lychee & Butterscotch cocktail (which tastes like devouring a turkish delight in the clouds).
The namesake novel explored the problems of immaturity and youth, the creation of identity in interactions with others, and dealt with ironic, critical examination of class roles in society and culture. It was also deemed scandalous and subversive by Nazis, Stalinists, and the Polish Communist regime and was officially banned in Poland for decades.
Located in a historic 1860s gem, Ferdydurke’s facade features a mural piece called ‘Bending Brick’ by celebrated Melbourne artist George Goodnow. With a panoramic view of street art, open-air balcony, and New York style loft, this intimate space is characterised by grand arch windows and high ceilings.
The third member, alphabetically speaking, of the Office of Public Works family (The Belleville, The B.East and Section 8) is Ferdydurke, lurking above Section 8. The entrance is inconspicuous; it’s a side door fronting Tastersalls Lane. You will then climb two flights of stares – not a typo but a reference to the collage of many faces coating the walls – to reach the bar, which stocks an excellent local beer selection and an experimental cocktail list with well-versed bar staff.
International DJs make regular appearances, in the past they’ve had Seven Davis Jr., Even Tuell, Space Dimension Controller, Mo Kolours, DJ Maseo (De La Soul), John Moralles, Dynamo Dreesen.
Ferdydurke’s loft is known for its cosy corners and chilled atmosphere, making it a popular date spot next to that beautiful fireplace indoors. Amongst the manufactured hustle and bustle of the CBD, Ferdy is a refuge from the pretence that can weigh a night of drinking in the city down.
It’s a more relaxed environment than their sister venue Section 8 downstairs, but still serves up big vibes. With an open fire and tons of hidden nooks and crannies to explore within the venue, it’s the perfect place to chill out, have a pint, and listen to some of the city’s best local DJs.
They’re open from 5pm ‘til late every day, except Sunday and Monday. Head up the stairs at 31 Tattersalls Lane in the CBD for a surprising, surreal experience.
