Finding love in Melbourne

Spring is here and Melbourne is abuzz with venues full of people enjoying the sunshine and longer days, making it the ideal opportunity to get out there and meet that someone special.

The romantic city is a great place to find love the old fashion way from a chat over liquid courage to shared passions.

Section 8

With a bar made from shipping containers and seating comprised of stacked wooden pallets Section 8 is a Melbourne laneway institution. The open-air venue is alive around the clock - visitors can bask in the sun's rays during the day and bathe in the glow of lanterns at night. A rotation of DJ’s provide tunes that serve as the backdrop to conversation. The inclusivity of Section 8 attracts visitors from all walks of life with the common desire to enjoy a beverage and great company on balmy nights. Wooden pallets positioned around the perimeter of the venue foster a communal atmosphere and makes for an ideal spot to perch and people watch until it’s time for a boogie on the dancefloor. A prime location in Chinatown, just off Lonsdale Street, means Melbourne’s best Asian restaurants are just a hop, skip and jump away, ideal for anyone who meets a cutie and wants an impromptu date over a bite to eat. 27-29 Tattersalls Ln, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000.  0430 291 588.

Northside Boulders

For those keen to break a sweat in the process of potentially meeting that someone special, look no further than Brunswick’s Northside Boulders. The converted warehouse space offers a huge selection of challenges for all experience levels and discussing potential strategies to reach the top provides a great way to strike up conversation. The relaxed pace of bouldering means climbers are encouraged to take breaks between attempts and refuel with a snack or coffee while they contemplate the next challenge. For some post-climbing bites, Los Hermanos is a minute walk - serving tacos and cocktails in an intimate space. 8/329 Victoria St, Brunswick, Victoria, 3056.

All Are Welcome

Bearing the same name as the religious center that stood before it, All Are Welcomeprides itself in doing good for the community. Only using ingredients from local producers with the same passion for quality means bread lovers will taste the love in every bite no matter whether they choose a braised quince danish or a classic sourdough loaf. Old church pews are repurposed to create a creative outdoor setting that allows for optimal sunlight, dog watching and chats with fellow customers about a shared love for gluten. 190 High St, Northcote, Victoria, 3070. 

Pixel Alley

For those who would rather spend an evening playing video games, Pixel Alley in Fitzroy is a great place to go with a pocket full of loose change. Visitors can grab a video game themed cocktail, find a Player 2 and start tackling the huge selection of arcade classics and pinball machines. After one too many games of Pac Man visitors can level up to Mr Wow’s Emporium. Located above Pixel Alley, its pool tables and views of bustling Smith Street will ensure the night kicks on. 95 Smith St, Fitzroy, Victoria, 3065.  0431 937 454.

Terra Madre

With a great selection of affordable organic goods and a customer base loyal to their ethos, Terra Madre is the perfect place to meet that partner who shares a love for ethical food. The aisles are loaded with hard to find goods from local suppliers who care about creating quality products. Who knows if a chance encounter between two customers reaching for the same jar of Organic Kimchi Sauerkraut could end in two hearts melting, much like the soft cheeses available a few metres over. In which case the nearby Low Keyprovides a casual and relaxed atmosphere for a post shop drink. 101/105 High St, Northcote, Victoria, 3070.  (03) 9489 5824.