Polēpolē pronounced ‘pol-eh-pol-eh’ is Swahili for “take it easy” or “go slowly”. It also happens to be the name of the newest bar in Melbourne’s CBD owned by Dean and Jeanelle Marian. The couple travelled East Africa bringing back with them the influences and inspiration to open this new watering hole, taking the place of Tony Starr’s Kitten Club.

The couple worked with the Votre Monde Interior Design team on the interiors that offer up a warm and inviting space. It reflects the colours and raw materials they found in Africa. Burnt orange and reds from the sunsets and charcoal from darks nights and cooking fuel. Recycled timbers and exposed concrete walls contribute to that rustic feel. Going one step further, an African acacia tree wall mural from Melbourne artist David Pereira covers the walls while a zebra type wallpaper and garden wall bring the outside in. 

Keeping it in the family, Dean’s brother Adam Mariani, former co-owner of award-winning café The Petty Officer is the man managing the bar. You can sip on a Ginger Lesson – West Winds Gin, house-made ginger syrup, Montenegro, and citrus, or an Elusive Leopard – 666 Vodka, Amaretto, guava, and grapefruit. They’ve also got a great African beer list, which brings in their charity side. Proceeds from imported African beer sales going to not-for-profit organisations YGAP and Women for Women in Africa. 

Let’s not forget the food. Consulting chef, Andy Mac (Executive Chef at Axil Coffee Roasters) has created a menu designed to share. And to be eaten with your hands. Don’t ask for cutlery, it’s not in the spirit of things. The menu features pork chips, ribs, pork-filled cigars, squid ink crackers topped with spiced sea bream, harissa lamb ribs, and ‘biltong,’ which is Africa’s answer to beef jerky. 

Let’s take a trip to East Africa together, shall we?  

Polēpolē
267 Little Collins Street, Melbourne 3000
polepolebar.com.au