Thursday drinks at Murmur bar

It's a while since we've been here, so we're overdue for a return visit.

Murmur is one of Melbourne's coolest laneway bars.

The lane it inhabits (Warburton) is only a few metres from Little Bourke but it's set back just far enough that it feels hidden, without feeling like you are going to get lost amongst dumpsters and rats running accross your feet.

Originally a coffee warehouse building and heritage-listed, Murmur's focal points are original features such as a trapdoor - fortunately bordered by a fence-like bar, for those of us who only need a few pots to transform into vertiginous idiots - and pretty accessories such as chandeliers - with a giant version hanging over the lane and peeking through the windows - and fresh floral arrangements.

Bar staff wear snappy, suspendered uniforms that give the place just enough of a hint of vintage without tipping it into retro cliche territory.

The drinks list is impressive, with plenty of fine wines and beers but the cocktail menu is where Murmur really shines. The characterful list includes rotating specials and a vaguely Cuban modus operandi.