Above Board

Above Board is an intimate cocktail bar located in Collingwood, Melbourne, Australia.

The bar is known for its minimalist design, featuring a simple wooden benchtop and all the alcohol hidden away in drawers in unmarked decanters. The design is open and minimalist, with a shared, central table of American walnut, giving the feel of a dinner party rather than a cocktail bar. The bar seats just 16 people, making it an intimate space. The cocktail menu at Above Board is focused, featuring a selection of classics and custom creations. The menu is designed around the limited drawer space, ensuring that every drink is a winner. It is split into two halves, with the first half featuring a selection of classics, while the second half is dealer’s choice with bartender Hayden Lambert’s own creations. Some of the specialties include speakeasy staples like the Old Fashioned along with the barman's own boozy concoctions like “The HSL Special”— a blend of Amaro Montenegro. The “Erin's Delight” is a highly recommended custom creation, which features a unique blend of ingredients. The bar is known for its precision and attention to detail, with every drink being carefully crafted to perfection. Lambert’s own creations are unique and inventive, with drinks like the Gentlemen Caller with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth and gran classico, a rich and smoky number that is like a weathered leather briefcase in drink form. The Hot Minute is another popular drink, which is a riff on a Margarita with tequila, lemon juice, and bitters.