August 10, 2025
Shop stories: Explore Antique Bar in Elsternwick Village
Located in the heart of Elsternwick Village, Antique Bar is not your average neighbourhood watering hole. With its vintage charm, friendly service, and an unmistakably warm and welcoming energy, this family-run venue is fast becoming a local favourite.
Since taking over ownership in May 2023, co-owner Boutaina Richardson and her partner have poured their hearts and souls into the beloved bar, working to preserve its unique character while bringing fresh energy to the space.
Family is at the core of the business – Ms Richardson’s cousin Lyle also works at the venue – helping to maintain the relaxed, close-knit feel that keeps regulars coming back.
Now, Antique Bar is thriving – and it’s not hard to see why.
Cosy atmosphere with vintage vibes
Step inside Antique Bar and you’re immediately transported to a bygone era. The soft glow of vintage lamps, antique chaise lounges, weathered timber, and sepia-toned photographs set the scene for a night of relaxed drinks and good conversation.
The venue is split into several rooms, each with its own personality. There’s the Library Room, lined with shelves of books and complete with a fireplace – a perfect winter hideaway. The Cotton Club Room, which can host up to 55 guests, features a dedicated service bar and a powder room, making it ideal for private functions. The charming courtyard offers alfresco seating, weather-protected and heated for cooler evenings, while Lover’s Lane is a romantic nook that’s frequently requested for date nights.
The soundtrack is just as thoughtful as the decor, blending jazz rap, relaxed house, and non-commercial Australian tracks – all designed to make guests feel at ease, no matter their music taste.
“What we loved about Antique Bar was the character – every room has a different story,” Ms Richardson said.
“It used to be an old antique shop and butcher, and so each room does tell the story and we wanted to make sure we kept that when we purchased it.”
as the decor, blending jazz rap, relaxed house, and non-commercial Australian tracks – all designed to make guests feel at ease, no matter their music taste.
“What we loved about Antique Bar was the character – every room has a different story,” Ms Richardson said.
“It used to be an old antique shop and butcher, and so each room does tell the story and we wanted to make sure we kept that when we purchased it.”
A touch of Irish hospitality
While Antique Bar doesn’t present as a typical Irish pub, its soul carries a distinctly Irish warmth. From the way guests are greeted to the thoughtfully crafted drinks, the spirit of Ireland is alive and well.
“We’ve got an Irish background so one of the main things we wanted to include was that Irish hospitality – that welcoming, homely feel,” said Ms Richardson.
“So when you walk in, you get a handshake and a ‘welcome back’, and you’re always greeted by smiling, happy staff that genuinely want to be there. Everyone is welcome.”
The menu features cocktails with a nod to Irish flavours. The ‘supersplit’ cocktail pays tribute to the classic Irish ice cream with vodka, Galliano vanilla, orange juice, syrup and egg white, while their Irish coffee is served warm – perfect for chilly nights. And of course, you’ll find Guinness on the drinks list too.
To complement the menu, the bar runs Irish-themed events throughout the year – from Gaeltacht nights, where guests are encouraged to practice speaking Irish Gaelic, to St Patrick’s Day celebrations and Irish whisky tastings.
“We wanted to create that homely, community feel,” Ms Richardson said. “We want it to be known as a good local bar.”
An impressive drinks menu
While there’s plenty of Irish charm on the drinks list, the focus is firmly on local. Ms Richardson and her team have made it their mission to stock locally sourced beer, wine and spirits wherever possible, and the bar’s zero-waste mindset ensures every ingredient is used to its full potential.
“When we took over (the venue), the goal was to go as local as possible. With the cocktail menu, we use as many local ingredients as possible,” Ms Richardson said.
“We change it (the menu) seasonally as well.”
Drinks at Antique Bar are as creative as they are delicious, with many telling stories of family traditions or personal experiences. The rhubarb cocktail is inspired by a childhood dessert of rhubarb and ice cream, while the ‘hot mess’ draws on Ms Richardson’s travels in Canada – a bold hot chocolate with a spicy blend designed to warm the soul in the winter.
Cultivating community
More than just a place to grab a drink, Antique Bar is a hub for community connection. The venue runs a rotating calendar of events aimed at bringing people together in fun, creative ways.
The weekly Sunday trad sessions are a crowd favourite, where musicians from all backgrounds gather to play, sing, and share the joy of music. Anyone with an instrument or a song to share is welcome to join.
There’s also the hugely popular Paint and Pints nights – a sell-out series where patrons can paint their own canvas while enjoying a drink. Trivia nights, speed dating, Christmas in July, happy hours, and other one-off events round out the calendar, keeping things fresh and fun.
“We’re always trying to do something different… and it’s 100 per cent community-driven,” Ms Richardson said.
“People want to be part of a community, whether it’s to meet new people or to just do something different with their time,” she said.
Whether you’re after a low-key drink, a private function with flair, or a space to connect with others in your neighbourhood, Antique Bar offers all that – and more – with heart, character, and a big dose of old-school charm.
