The back streets of Collingwood are known for industrial buildings, warehouses filled with discount clothes, creative offices, and now Rupert on Rupert, the northside’s newest bar from husband-and-wife team Ric and Mali Corinaldi.
The open, light, and greenery filled space is a nice change from the ever popular small bars scattered around our humble city. The unique space is thanks to Ric and his business partner – Ficus Constructions to be exact – Shane Smith. The business is behind the construction of some of our favourite eating and drinking spots, De Clieu, Madame Brussels, Allpress Espresso, and Bar Ampere.
Bar manager Radar Rad (ex-Prudence) and venue manager Max Finch (ex-The Beaufort) are responsible for what is happening behind the bar. Things on tap are a favourite here. Australian wines are being poured on tap for $8, seven beers are available on tap, think Coopers Pale Ale and McLaren Vale IPA, and two ciders are also available. You guessed it… on tap. Cocktails stay traditional with the Clover Club – gin, house-made raspberry syrup, and lemon, and then a little different with the Working Watermelon – tequila, lime, agave, and fresh watermelon juice.
Rupert is just as concerned about their drinks list as they are about the food menu. There are 12 pizzas, made on natural sourdough bases. The Livada Field is topped with mixed mushrooms, lemon, truffle salt, Napoli base, and Floridia mozzarella, while the Balkan lamb is a mix of slow braised lamb shoulder, sweet onions, watercress, and Bulgarian feta. Other dishes, aimed to share, include the crispy parsnip chips, thai flavoured prawns, and the sabih, a mix of smoked eggplant, bharat orange Panko tofu, egg, crunchy tossed salad, tahini sauce, all served on herb wood fired flatbread.
Rupert is becoming increasingly popular with the young professionals in the area already. Just try and get a table after 7pm on the weekend. Bookings are still being accepted…for now.
Rupert on Rupert
73 Rupert Street, Collingwood
rupertonrupert.com.au
