Bar 1806
ProHighlights
- One-hour cocktail masterclasses from beginner to advanced, plus a martini class
- Gin and whisky tastings hosted by the bar team, from introductory to rare drams
- Three private spaces – Main Bar, Dress Circle and The Understudy – for group events
About Bar 1806
Bar 1806 takes its name from the year the word 'cocktail' was first defined in print, and the bar on Exhibition Street leans into that history – old-world furnishings, chandeliers, and a menu that revives forgotten classics next to its own creations. The mixologists who run the bar also teach, and the masterclass menu is built for groups who want to get their hands on a shaker. The Beginner Cocktail Masterclass is an informal hour covering a little cocktail history and the core techniques, with each guest making and drinking two seasonal classics. The Advanced class goes further: you make flavoured syrups, try different methods and finish by inventing a classic of your own. There is also a Martini Masterclass on shaking versus stirring and finding your preferred style. Every class supplies the equipment and ingredients, guests leave with the recipes, mocktail versions are available on request, and a welcome drink or canapés can be added for $30 a guest. For groups who would rather taste than mix, the bar runs a gin tasting of four gins with a gin and tonic on arrival, plus whisky tastings that range from an introduction to four styles through to cask finishes and older, rarer drams. Bigger celebrations can book the Main Bar or the Dress Circle overlooking it for 40 to 60 guests, or The Understudy below, a hidden den with its own bar and mixologist. Live jazz plays on Thursday and Sunday nights.
Inclusions & amenities
Activity type
Price range (per person)
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What's Included
Frequently asked questions
What happens in the Beginner Cocktail Masterclass?
It is a relaxed one-hour session with one of the 1806 bartenders covering cocktail history and basic technique. Each guest makes and drinks two seasonal classic cocktails and leaves with the recipes.
How much do the masterclasses cost?
The Beginner class is $70 per guest, the Advanced class $95, the Martini class $105, the Intro to Whisky tasting $85 and the Fine Drams whisky tasting $125. A welcome drink and canapés can be added for $30 per guest.
Can non-drinkers take part?
Yes. Mocktail packages are available for the cocktail classes on request, and the bar keeps a range of non-alcoholic cocktails and other drinks.
Can we bring our own wine or food?
No BYO wine is allowed. For private functions, external catering can be brought in, with $20 a head corkage, and canapés need at least 7 days' notice.
Is there a dress code?
There is no strict dress code, but smart casual is encouraged to suit the room's old-world style.
Where we are
Suitable occasions
Mariano Sammartino
2 months ago
Magnificent place! My girlfriend and I came for the cocktail masterclass, and we were lucky to have Diego as our host. He was very professional and friendly, and we had a fantastic experience. I highly recommend it!
Yusuf Zarani
3 months ago
In the midst of the busy city of Melbourne you will find 1806, a beautifully themed bar that takes you back in time. The menu is very creative themed with character stories thats creative thats paired beautifully with a…
Lyle Abeykoon
4 months ago
An amazing go to if you want to experience cocktails done right. Francesca has served us on multiple occasions and her service is second to none. The knowledge of the staff here is top tier. There is no place that does a…
Adele Surridge
5 months ago
First night in Melbourne we came here as one of our group foes to this fabulous cocktail lounge every time he’s here. The cocktail mixologist is amazing - I could have watched him all night, you can understand why this…
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