Past the bustling corner bars and pubs, souvlaki queues and spews (sorry, but it’s true); is a pavement less travelled along Fitzroy’s famous night life.
Glamorama is the new kid on this quieter end of Brunswick Street. *warning – this article may contain not-so-subtle NKOB references.
This new bar/ restaurant/ club offers a full burger with the lot: the whole pickle and more. Food, cocktails, music and plenty of space to, (um, yep) hang tough. Taking its name from Bret Easton Ellis’ satirical thriller about Zoolander model conspiracies, it’s no surprise this bar has some reoccurring characters.
It’s the latest collaboration between the five boys behind late-night bar Less Than Zero Bar in South Yarra. Yup, there’s a theme going on here – someone has a crush on Ellis. Quick - hide the chainsaws.
Image © Eugene HylandThe Ellis adoration shows in the interior décor – walking into the venue you’re welcomed by the manically grinning graffiti face of Christian Bale from ‘American Psycho’. Up some stairs is an expansive dining hall (painted as dark as Patrick Bateman’s soul), that later at night converts into a dancefloor.
'Round the corner are cosy, dimly-lit booths for slinky dates and late-night laughter. A courtyard is coming soon that will no doubt offer sweet relief for fresh-air aficionados.
Image © Eugene HylandFood wise, head chef Shaun Hansen brings years of experience from Sweet Water Inn providing some quirky offerings: vegan chicken wings, smoked potatoes croquettes, Botox Pies with actual sauce ‘syringes’, and Lamington fried ice-cream.
With Glamorama, the Less Than Zero Guys saw an opportunity to bring electronic, disco, house and techno music to the inner north, securing a venue the size of Marky Mark’s abs that lasts until 3am during the week and 5am on weekends.
Image © Eugene HylandWith cocktails a plenty to choose from, I asked the friendly bar staff for the signature ‘Buffalo’s of the Caribbean’ , which shakes up Angostura and Peach Bitters, Buffalo Trace and home-made toasted coconut, finished off with lemon and cinnamon. I’m not the sweet cocktail type – and this drink was the perfect tipple.
Glamorama is a late-night venue with class, simple but clever décor, offering what many of the crammed-in bars and pubs of Fitzroy can’t – SPACE.
Glamorama is located at 395 Brunswick Street Fitzroy, Victoria. Photo credit: Eugene Hyland
