A new venue combing an art gallery with a licensed lounge has created a cool hangout in Queenscliff.
Words: CHERIE DONNELLAN
Photo: TOMMY RITCHIE
What better way to drown cultured senses than to indulge in art, wine and gourmet cheese simultaneously.
Or so thought Queenscliff gallery owner Fiona Kelly when she set out to create Salt Contemporary Art’s The Lounge with partner David Beaumont.
“Art, wine, and food – those things go hand-in-hand,” she asserts.
“We just thought there aren’t many places in Queenscliff where you can go if you just want to have a glass of wine and a piece of cheese or something and sit in beautiful surroundings and enjoy art.
“We’ve got this beautiful building and it just made sense to create a space where locals and travellers can come and enjoy a whole art experience.”
And enjoy they have, Fiona says.
Guests flocked to The Lounge’s opening, lighting up Fiona’s eyes light as she recounts meeting a Point Lonsdale couple during the evening.
“They just came and sat and didn’t leave until five hours later – they certainly left very comfortable,” she laughs.
The gallery’s appeal grows upstairs where local artists’ sculptures stand between eclectic furniture and potted greenery while paintings line the walls.
Jazz oozes softly through speakers in the romantically-lit room.
The atmosphere is intoxicating without even ordering a wine or boutique beer from the retro bar, clad in cherry-red vinyl.
Luckily, Fiona has also stocked the bar with a selection of “for-the-driver” drinks.
The warmth of the interior extends to an outdoor balcony area where outdoor furniture and bamboo shades continue the eclectic theme. Glimpses of Swan Bay add to the charm.
Fiona dreams of the balcony becoming a summer hangout for locals, who will also enjoy the addition of spirits to the bar.
“Wouldn’t it be great to enjoy a gin and tonic on the balcony overlooking the bay,” she muses.
