For nearly a century, Box Hill was part of Melbourne’s “dry zone”. This remnant of the temperance movement lingered in this part of the leafy eastern suburbs that also included Camberwell and Surrey Hills – long after the rest of the city had moved on. Previously, a bid for a liquor licence required a vote from residents at a polling place, with fines imposed for non-participation. But those laws were abolished in December 2021, and, with the arrival of Bar Nearby at the end of 2024, Box Hill’s dry days are well and truly over.

“I think we’re the first place to be granted a general licence in Box Hill in about 100 years,” Ella Bishop, who runs the bar with husband James Bishop, tells Broadsheet. (While many venues have restaurant and cafe licences, Bar Nearby was one of only two in the suburb to hold a general licence last year, the other being a Best Westin Plus).

Ella grew up in the area and her parents were pioneers in the local cafe scene, opening Red Cup Cafe just across the road from Bar Nearby, and The Peddler Cafe in Nunawading.

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Together with her husband James – who hails from Worcestershire in the UK – the couple have built an impressive hospitality resume. They worked together in bars and restaurants across Canada and New Zealand before settling in Melbourne. Before striking out on their own, they also managed the 180-seat warehouse venue, Mitcham Social, formerly owned by Ella’s parents.

The 100-seat Bar Nearby is housed in a former bike shop and split into two sections: a relaxed, exposed-brick main bar and a more intimate space with table service. Ella says the goal here is “cosy, welcoming and warm”, and the drinks offering is accessible and considered.

Carlton Draught will be a mainstay, but three other taps are set aside for local brews – Hargreaves Hill and Two Rupees being current options.

There’s a thoughtful mix of Australian and international wines, with premium pours available by the glass under Coravin. The spirit offering walks the same line, with nearby Puss & Mew Distillery adding a local flavour to house gin and vodka pours.

Classics like Pina Coladas and Pisco Sours are great for balmy summer evenings, and cocktail enthusiasts can try the clarified Milk Punch and a punchy Vieux Carre. A smart low- and no-alc selection with tasty highballs, Heaps Normal cans and mini bottles of Vinada Sparkling Chardonnay might even tempt temperance campaigners.

Drinks take centrestage, but there are snacks, including olives, pickled vegetables and Chappy’s Chips. A takeaway section stocks cheeses, deli goods and a wide selection of wines. There’s no kitchen, but patrons are encouraged to order in from any number of local restaurants or even bring their own food.

“It was important for us to offer something new to the area for the people who live here,” Ella says. Happy hours and locals’ nights are already a hit, and a monthly trivia night is set to launch in March.

Bar Nearby
1115-1117 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill
No phone

Hours:
Wed & Thur 4pm–11pm
Fri & Sat 2pm–11pm
Sun 2pm–8pm

www.barnearby.au