Brunswick East’s neighbourhood bar and bistro, 98 Lygon St, welcomes summer with the opening of its newly refreshed courtyard. To celebrate, the venue has launched a European-inspired Aperitivo Hour (4–6pm daily), where guests who purchase two cocktails receive a complimentary snack — perfect for starting with a drink, sharing a bite, and lingering into dinner, the European way.
The courtyard transforms the space into a slice of the Mediterranean, with white-washed walls, linen-draped tables, chilled Parisian lo-fi beats, Champagne corks popping, oysters being freshly shucked, and the shade of a 50-year-old olive tree. It evokes the relaxed, sun-soaked vibes of Marseille, Corsica, or even the Le Marais — all without leaving Lygon Street. Standout cocktails for Aperitivo Hour include the Cherry Ripe Milk Punch and La Renaissance, described as “like drinking a summer strawberry cloud,” alongside the venue’s signature freezer-door Martini, available dry, dirty or filthy.
Leading the kitchen is Head Chef Brian Macalister, an Irish-born talent whose global pedigree spans Michelin-starred Ynyshir in Wales, The Pig’s Ear and Chapter One in Dublin, and recent leadership roles within Melbourne’s Traderhouse Group at Cutler & Co and The Builders Arms. His summer menu combines European technique with the approachability of a neighbourhood bistro. Highlights include Crudités with 98 Bagnet Verde, Shell-Baked Scallops with wild garlic butter, a Shallot Tart Tatin with Dijon mustard and mizuna, and Market Fish served with a silky leek beurre blanc. Chef’s Selection offerings showcase a Fruits de Mer spread of oysters, prawns, scallop ceviche and Moreton Bay seafood, as well as a Cape Grim MB4 Côte de Boeuf with béarnaise and frites.
“We want the experience to feel like a long afternoon in any cosy European town — generous, sunny and relaxed, with simple things done really well,” he says. “The courtyard and new menu bring that feeling to Brunswick East.”
The drinks offering continues to shine under owners Ben Clark and Simon Aukett, who bring decades of experience from London’s top venues, including Rockwell Bar, Soho House, Mondrian, Zetter Townhouse and The Player. This season, the wine list features fun orange wines, chilled reds and lighter, fresher styles, while continuing to champion the best of old-world wines alongside standout Australian producers.
“98 Lygon St has always been about warm hospitality and the kind of generosity you find in the best European bistros,” says Co-Owner Ben Clark. “Summer gives us the perfect opportunity to bring more colour, more vibrancy and more simple pleasures to the table.”
98 Lygon St Bar & Bistro is open seven days, serving food & drinks from midday until late.
98 Lygon St summer courtyard and seasonal menu offering is now on. For more details and to make a booking, visit: https://www.98lygonst.au/