Young Hearts
216 High Street, Windsor, VIC
younghearts.melbourne
Led by Nic Coulter from Neptune Food & Wine, Windsor has welcomed Young Hearts – an inclusive and casual dining destination that celebrates music, art, food, events and culture all under one roof.
Coulter seized the opportunity to take over the venue and create an offering he felt was missing from the area, designing an uncomplicated yet highly considered drinks menu. “Young Hearts is the place to choose your own adventure; sit or stand; book or walk in; enjoy a cocktail or shots; dance, sing or just relax; the choice is yours,” says Coulter. The beer, wine and cocktail offering is extensive with Mismatch and Bodriggy on tap, the wine list having a strong focus on natural varietals and the cocktail menu championing quality ingredients in classic favourites.
“Young Hearts is the place to choose your own adventure; sit or stand; book or walk in; enjoy a cocktail or shots; dance, sing or just relax; the choice is yours…” – Nic Coulter
Twice a year, local and interstate chefs will take over the Young Heart’s kitchen for six-month residencies, showcasing an ever-changing array of culinary styles, flavours and cuisines. First up, the team from Windsor’s much-loved Freddy’s Pizza on Chapel Street will be stepping away from their usual pizza offering with an inventive menu of Italian-inspired bar snacks.
In keeping with the laid-back ambience of the venue, items on the Young Hearts x Freddy’s menu will include cacio e pepe croquettes, lamb arrosticini, antipasto plates for sharing and Freddy’s famous ‘Pizza Fritta’. Tommy’s Booze; the limoncello brand founded in the Freddy’s kitchen will also be available on tap and in the form of a slushy dessert cocktail.
The refresh of the existing site channels a retro-industrial aesthetic, nodding to the original canvas of the building. Exposed brick and steel beams envelop a vast open interior, whilst a brown-tiled bar adds to the warm retro layering of the interior.
Music and art will be defining features of the Young Heart’s experience complimenting the food and drink offerings.
A rotating line-up of DJs and live music will provide a curated background ambience via a custom-built DJ console. On Sundays, guests will be treated to a day party showcasing international DJs.
On the art front, the venue’s expansive wall space will showcase both established and emerging Australian artists through regular exhibitions with local curators. Group bookings can be made across the venue’s multiple areas, with private events and functions also being a central component of the Young Hearts offering.