Drinking History Tour in Melbourne CBD
Drinking History Tours in the Melbourne CBD have built up some sort of cult following over the years, as premium tours in Melbourne. With inspirational Ben Oliver at the helm, Drinking History Tours offers a series of bespoke tours that entertain, educate, and hydrate.
Daniel our intrepid host was a revelation.
Shaking it up with Drinking History Tours in the Melbourne CBD. I could reveal the names of the bars but maybe I should keep it a secret (you may be able to work it out from the pics) - suffice to say they were top notch experiences.
Laneway action.
These tours are highly impressive and are designed not just for tourists, but also for locals. Think you know Melbourne's history? Maybe think again as these guys know their stuff! Keen for a Melbourne walking tour and bar visits? I was invited to join a Historic and Hidden Bars Tour with affable and brilliant host Daniel. A host can make or break a tour, and Daniel was exceptional in every way. Conversational, engaging, entertaining, knowlegable, helpful and all round great guy. Bars and cocktails were first class, and I discovered some new Melbourne gems to re-visit later.
With our backs to the wall after so many lockdowns, Drinking History Tours was refreshing (in more ways than one) and a perfect way to re-engage with the city.
I discovered Melbourne’s founder was a drunk, and her first mayor a brewer – so it’s no surprise the City has 15,000 drinking spots and the world’s best hidden bars. I learned more about the gold rush, and also more about the history of various precincts of the city. I was amazed by the depth and knowledge of Melbourne's history by Daniel our host; better than any history lecture I'd received at Uni, and way more entertaining. Incredible stories of Melbourne were made alive by Daniel. The walking part of the tour was fun, as we were able to take in the absorping scenes of this electic city (the walk in itself did me good) and stop at key locations for further discovery. And I enjoyed the company of our eclectic tour group (not too large).
Our fun and knowledgeable tour host handpicked three of Melbourne’s coolest, hidden bars and made the reservations. We were able to connect and chat at reach bar, and whet our whistle with a complimentary cocktail, beer, wine or soft drink (hmmm didn't see too many soft drinks). I learned that the tour changes and they don't visit the same bars for the tour every time, but mix it up (excuse the pun).
Part of the attraction was visiting Melbourne’s famous, hidden laneways, and taking in some of the street art. We learned about Melbourne’s early days and drinking culture, the persecution of barmaids, gold rush and pioneering stories, the popularity of Madam Brussells, corrupt and quirky officials, and more. Once again, I don't want to give too much away. Drinking History Tours is a Melbourne gem and runs a series of compelling tours (pick your fav) in Melbourne that are highly recommended. Get on it.