If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise. While you won’t find a teddy bear’s picnic, you will find a trail of single malt whisky leading to speakeasy restaurant-bar, The Woods of Windsor.

Owners Clint Hyndman (A.K.A Something for Kate drummer) and Dean Bowden have turned the place into a charming old world bar with a polished new world feel. Bottles of grog compete for shelf space with taxidermy animals (including their mascot, a rabbit with antlers known as a ‘jackalope’) behind the dark oak bar. Other knickknacks from Hyndman’s personal collection are scattered throughout the dimly lit space, including a gramophone, vintage suitcases, and a Singer sewing machine. Guests can sit out the front, on stools by the bar or at romantic tables towards the rear of the building.

Regardless of whether you want pre-dinner snacks or a five course meal, head chef Nick Stanton (who has previously worked at The Millswyn and alongside Gordon Ramsay) has put together a menu inspired by the 1900s. How can you say no to “sweet and crisp” pork belly with creamed corn and glazed baby onions? Alternatively, stop in for a two or three course express lunch. If you’re not hungry, you can always order a cigar from the menu instead.

But let’s get serious: we’re here for the single malt whiskey. With nearly 50 options, the choice is overwhelming. But the knowledgeable staff are there to decipher your tastes and walk you through the options. The cocktail list is an ode to Windsor, where the owners have lived for the past 10 years. Take the F. J Sargood Sazerac with whisky, Armagnac and chocolate bitters for example; a tribute to the first chairman of the Prahran Municipality. There’s also a decent selection of beer, cider and wine.

The charismatic Woods of Windsor is completely different from the boys’ first venture, Yellowbird Café, just up the road. But like The Bird, The Woods is sure to become a Windsor local in no time.

Location: 108 Chapel Street, Windsor
When: Wed-Sat, midday-1am | Sun, midday-11am
Phone: (03) 9521 1900
Details: facebook.com/thewoodsofwindsor

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