The Crom is a venue located on the groundfloor of Pan International's office. It usually runs…read morehiphop events for under 18s in the Collingwood area, but recently it's opened its doors to other groups who would like to hire and use the space. It's a huge highly customisable warehouse space. There's a lot of pretty fantastic graffiti on the walls, but this can be covered up if it doesn't suit what you're doing. The staff are incredibly accommodating. When I booked for an event my organisation were running, they couldn't have been more helpful. We were allowed to come in and brainstorm how we were going to set up and pack up, we were allowed to use their equipment, we were even allowed to move every wall around to suit us. It is fantastic. There are a few downsides: noise restrictions after 10pm mean that whatever event you're having has to either end early or be very quiet. Not a problem for my group, but as soon as any kind of amplified band is thrown into the mix there'll be an issue with the neighbours. The impression I got from the staff is that those neighbours are quite the complaining sort.

I probably shouldn't judge this place by the views, even though I did actually quite like them…read more Well, this place is a cocktail bar, but the thing is that they do more than just cocktails, particularly where I am concerned since I do prefer beers, and they certainly were able to help me out in that regards, since they did have a rather nice selection as well. I actually found this place to be rather laid back and relaxing, especially the back area, and the service was quite nice as well. As for the views, well, it was on the railway line, but then again, that is something that I actually do rather like.

I organised a cocktail class for my girlfriends hens party at Maeve Fox and was really blown away…read moreby the quality of the event. Our group had such an amazing time. We got to jump in the bar and learn to make yummy cocktails. The gentleman that ran the course was very passionate about bartending and incredibly knowledgable - but didn't take himself too serious and still able to have a laugh with the group! The food included in the course was yummy but I would recommend you order a few additional platters if your friends like to drink as much as mine! If you are looking for something different for a hens party or even a work function. Maeve Fox is well worth looking in to.

State of Grace was one of the highlights of our Melbourne trip -- an incredible dining experience…read morefrom start to finish. The atmosphere is vibrant, stylish, and full of character. From the moment you walk in, there's a buzz that makes the place feel alive without being overwhelming. It strikes a great balance between upscale and relaxed, making it perfect for a date night or a fun evening out. The warm lighting and eclectic design add to the charm and make you want to linger. Service was friendly, attentive, and well-paced throughout the night. The staff were knowledgeable about the menu, checked in on us at the right moments, and made the whole experience feel effortless and welcoming. Every dish we ordered was excellent -- not a single miss. We started with the Cauliflower & Mozzarella Croquettes, which were crispy on the outside and perfectly creamy inside. The Grilled King Prawns were flavorful and cooked just right, while the Kingfish Ceviche was fresh, bright, and beautifully balanced. The Stracciatella & Heirloom Tomatoes was simple yet outstanding, letting the quality of the ingredients shine. For mains, the Duck Breast was cooked perfectly and full of rich flavor, and the Lamb Backstrap was tender and well-seasoned. The Pecorino & Ricotta Ravioli was comforting and delicate, while the Seafood Linguine stood out with generous portions of seafood and a beautifully balanced sauce. The Honey Glaze Carrots were the perfect side -- sweet, savory, and executed flawlessly. Overall, State of Grace delivers on every level -- ambience, service, and food. An exceptional spot that lives up to the hype, and one we'd absolutely return to on our next visit to Melbourne.

State of Grace has a positive vibe. Even before your first drink you will think oh what a cool…read moreplace. It's the decor from extravagant chandeliers to deer heads with pearl necklaces; it's beautifully eclectic. I had an old fashion and it had the right mix of orange and bitters. I also ordered the burger which was decent and the fries were hot and crispy. The night I visited there was a live singer playing tunes. Service was quick and friendly. Even the ordering is eclectic as you order electronically (QR) pasted to a library book. This place is worth a visit.

Revolt art space is a wonderful, amazing venue located in the suburb of Kensington, which is about…read more10 minutes away from the CBD. When I first came here it was to see one of my favorite bands (Bonjah) play on Australia day 2010. I was blown away. The huge 'factory' is abundant with art. It's visual candy - everywhere. There are separate rooms with couches filled with sculptures and paintings. It has a main stage with with ample room for standing to watch a band or performer. Performers vary from dancers to mimes to comedians to actors. Revolt is open most days - it has a chill atmosphere you can just call in have a coffee and read a book or attend one of the many events which can be found on their website. The staff at Revolt are a family - literally. They took lease of the space in 2009 and have worked hard to make it what it is today. I was lucky enough to volunteer during the 2011 Fringe Festival which was a great experience. I encourage you all to call into Revolt & check it out, if only for the visual experience. You will be amazed at this place & wonder why you have never visited there before. They serve alcohol & have bar food. http://www.revoltproductions.com/home/

Revolt is a secret pirate cave of wonderment. I want to say more, but I don't think I could capture…read morethe excitement of the first time I entered and wandered around the many rooms and spaces that have amassed in this new performing arts centre in Kensington. It's a maze, designed with both performers and audience in mind. The crew make sure you're getting a truly unique experience by either attending or using Revolt to stage your event. What's more (and the bit I think I like the most) is their philosophy of supporting new artists. For someone with a great idea but not a big plan on how to market that idea, this is possibly the place to approach to stage it. It's a bit of a secret, really, tucked down a back street in an unassuming warehouse district, but not one that should stay so.

Went to a chamber concert here this evening. What a wonderful place with great acoustics. A very…read moreuplifting experience that I am at a loss to explain appropriately. Richard Tognetti (taught Russell Crowe to play the violin in the movie Master and Commander) played a Stradivarius. Just heavenly.

I went here for high tea with my mum! The decadent ballroom setting with murals which portray…read morewomen's roles throughout history and the four piece jazz band made for a pretty neat setting. The tea/savouries/desserts weren't too bad but at $70 a pop I was expecting a little more...

Bundle up and set out on an exploration of Gertrude Street. The Projection Festival features both…read moresmall and large scale projections - from small works lighting up shop windows to whole sides of buildings awash in colourful light. There are plenty of cosy venues along the route to duck into for a warming drink or a cold beer if you're feeling the chill in the air. The scale and 'wow factor' aren't as massive as the Christmas and White Night projections, but the crowds aren't as big either. This event is more suited to conversation and casual strolling at your own pace. With the bright lights and friends & families roaming the street, it almost feels like Christmas... in July!

This festival of light happens annually in July on Gertrude Street, Fitzroy. I first heard about…read moreit through tram advertising and then read more advertising in the local street press. I highly recommend becoming a viewer next year. Whole buildings are turned into projection screens that have static and moving light displays. Also used are smaller projections within store windows and even projections on to the footpath and trees. No space is spared and the imagination of the artist is limitless. I love the concept of light as art and this festival has chosen wisely and collaborated with some fantastic artists. It is a fun and innovative festival that is free for the general public to view. Normally a five-minute walk form Nicholson St to Smith St - this exhibition takes about an hour to take in and appreciate. A small amount of time that will leave a large impression.

While I was walking around Collingwood's gallery district I saw this little gallery. There are…read morestreet signs with an orange circle pointing down the section of street that there is a gallery on. And in the gallery district that is practically every street. And the galleries have these metal signs with the same image and the word gallery on them. I hadn't been in the Cambridge Studio Gallery before. It is new, only three years old. It is a very attractive series of white walled spaces in a renovated, heritage-listed Collingwood brick house. The redesign has done the best with the narrow space; there is a ground floor space and another gallery space on the mezzanine floor. There is a bit of a kitchen office area, where a woman was working, out the back of the ground floor, but as a gallery visitor I didn't more than a glance at that. It is probably worth visiting this gallery just to see the attractively renovated space. Unfortunately the paintings in the exhibition that I saw were not good; certainly not as attractive as the space they are hung in. I suspect that it is a rental space gallery where the space is rented out to artists for exhibitions, although the gallery does have a stockroom of art that they have previously exhibited.