Story by Cara Devine. Cara is our Melbourne-based drinks writer. She is the manager of Bomba in Melbourne and the face and talent behind the cocktailing youtube channel Behind the Bar. You can email her at behindthebarchannel@gmail.com
Little Drop of Poison, 937B Main Road, Eltham, VIC @poison.eltham
Melbourne is well known for its hidden bars and tucked-away taverns, but it is not only the laneways of the CBD that contain such delights. Down an alleyway near the train station in the north-eastern suburb of Eltham resides Little Drop of Poison, a warm and cosy neighbourhood bar with big vibes. Owner Geo Tapia is Chilean, but also weaves his experience in Spain into the place.
“The venue concept I’ve had in my head for quite a long time. In my personal opinion, through the evolution of hospitality, I felt there was a disconnection with customers which developed over a long period of time. As venues got bigger I felt when I opened my own place I needed to bring that connection between hosts and customers closer. My time in tapas and pintxo bars in Spain and the Basque country demonstrated how amazing the energy was in a smaller space as conversation and banter flowed between both sides of the bar. This synergy is created with the right style of shared food and the appropriate drops to accompany these dishes.”
“My time in tapas and pintxo bars in Spain and the Basque country demonstrated how amazing the energy was in a smaller space as conversation and banter flowed between both sides of the bar. This synergy is created with the right style of shared food and the appropriate drops to accompany these dishes.” – Owner, Geo Tapia
This translates to a long bar where customers can prop up and interact with both the friendly chef and bartender. Other seating is mostly small tables and stools, encouraging intimacy and buena onda. Carefully curated artwork adds to the ambiance. “The artwork makes our space feel alive, giving it warmth, creating conversation and a chilled-out atmosphere. The wall art also distinguishes our little bar from other places giving us our own special identity. My partner Deb curates the pieces, some of her own work as an amazing photographer and some forgotten artwork from the public domain,” says Tapia, and there are links to buy some pieces on their website should you wish to recreate the vibe at home.
The food blends both Spanish and Latin American influences with the croquetas (some of the best I’ve tried), Basque drinking-snack staple gildas and cheesy empanadas perfect for soaking up your libations of choice. The share dish style is ideal for a neighbourhood joint as you could easily come a good few times before you work your way through the entire menu. The cocktail list is fun and fresh – my companion described her ‘Sour Verde’, a potent mix of gin, Chartreuse, Midori and lime, as a ‘green boi on steroids’ and my spicy mezcal margarita riff paired perfectly with the ceviche tostadita. The back bar is small but well appointed, with some fun mezcals and piscos to explore, and the wine and beer list heroes local drops with a splash of Spanish. There is, of course, vermouth.
The location was an obvious choice for Tapia. “The relaxed green views, minimal traffic and the close proximity to Yarra Valley makes me feel very lucky to be living here. The support we have received especially through Covid times from the locals and surrounding suburbs has been overwhelming. I had a gut feeling that Eltham was a place that could accept and respond to my idea of a little relaxed and non-pretentious tapas bar that brings people together over a quick tapas, date night or for any special celebration. I like to create an environment where the staff enjoy coming to work and our customers are given the service they deserve to the best of our abilities.”
Locals should count themselves lucky, and if it’s a little out of your usual stomping ground, consider making the trip.