Between Friends Wine Bar: A unique night out

Are you looking for a wine bar in Melbourne that offers more than just drinks and snacks? Between Friends Wine Bar offers a refreshingly unique experience for open-minded Aussies. This wine bar is tucked away off Chapel Street in Balaclava. It combines the elegance of well-chosen wines with the friendly, convivial atmosphere of an adults-only space. Between Friends Wine Bar is a wonderful place for couples to meet individuals who share their interests or for visitors who are visiting Melbourne alone to check out the city’s alternative nightlife.

What is Between Friends Wine Bar?

Between Friends Wine Bar is a stylish, intimate venue known for its relaxed wine lounge feel and welcoming attitude toward consensual adult play. This hidden gem isn’t your typical wine bar. It’s also a lifestyle venue where guests may explore connection and intimacy in a safe, respectful setting. It has become a popular place for socialising and nightlife in Melbourne because it is open every Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. till late and is only available for private events on other days.

Why Aussies are talking about it

Between Friends is an excellent spot to drink wine, eat good food, and engage in open conversations with a hint of adventure in a city full with trendy bars. Its attraction stems from its laidback attitude. You can sip a shiraz from a nice seat or head upstairs to meet new folks. Everyone should set their own pace at the bar and the most important guideline is to appreciate one another.

Between Friends Wine Bar is designed for everyone, whether you’re an experienced lifestyle couple, a curious first-time visitor, or a single woman looking for a safe, pleasant place to hang out.

How to get in

Location

16 Dianella Lane, Balaclava, VIC, which is hidden away from Chapel Street.

Entry fee

• Couples (man + woman): $80
• Single women: $20
• Single men: Not allowed at regular events (only allowed at some themed evenings)

You can also join B.F.F. (Between Friends Friend) to receive free or reduced admission, depending on the type of guest you are. Membership options are flexible and designed to benefit returning customers.

What can you expect inside?

The place has two levels:

• Downstairs: The classic wine bar feel with low lighting, booths, a full bar and food service. It’s fully clothed and a wonderful place to hang out with friends over drinks and snacks.
• Upstairs: An optional play area for members and guests who are comfortable and have been invited to explore more. Here, you have to dress down (in underwear or nude), but you don’t have to do it downstairs.

When you get there, the staff will greet you, show you around and make sure you’re comfortable. You can talk to people, have a drink or just watch until you’re ready to engage with others. We constantly give additional care to first-timers.

Events and themed nights

Between Friends often has themed gatherings that are fun and flirty or sexy and classy. Some of these might be

• Newcomer’s Nights: Great for anyone who is new to the area
• A Touch of Red: A night of fancy clothes and vibrant colours
• Sexy Activewear Night: For something cheeky and sporty
• Masquerade and Dress-Up Nights: Popular for couples and singles alike

The doors open at 7:00 PM and close at 11:00 PM sharp. Guests are urged to arrive early, especially if they are new.

Menu for food and drinks

The food is simple yet delicious. Expect:

• Red, white, rosé and sparkling wines that have been carefully chosen
• Craft beers and cider from the area
• High-quality soft drinks and mixers
• Pizza, grazing platters and small bar appetisers that are great for sharing

The atmosphere is relaxed, so it’s easy to relax and appreciate the people around you.

Comfort, safety and house rules

The pub cares a lot about the safety and comfort of its guests. Here are a few important things to remember:

• Respect and consent are not up for debate.
• You get lockers, towels and toiletries.
• You can’t take pictures or movies.
• You can dress down if you want to upstairs, but you don’t have to do it below.
• Guests who want to play can get condoms and lubrication.

The staff is friendly and welcoming and they are trained to assist you during your first visit if you are new to the lifestyle or unsure of what to expect.

Reviews and real guest experiences

Most guests love the polite atmosphere, pleasant music and fantastic wine selection; however, a few public reviews do criticise things like personnel not always being kind and the place not always being clean. But these are rare, as most first-hand stories focus on:

• A warm welcome for new people
• A laid-back, stress-free atmosphere
• Diverse crowd including first-timers, long-time lifestyle participants, and curious couples

Is Between Friends Wine Bar the best place for you?

If you like Between Friends Wine Bar

• You’re seeking a wine bar in Melbourne that isn’t like the others.
• You appreciate adult experiences based on permission and respect.
• You want to meet open-minded people in a classy setting.
• You want a safe, guided introduction to the lifestyle scene.

Not everyone may like it. If you enjoy loud, noisy pubs or prefer not to be in small, private or exploratory social settings, you might want to explore more traditional places nearby.

Conclusion

Between Friends Wine Bar is more than just a place to drink; it’s a place to socialise, form communities and play in a refined setting. For those who want more than just another round of drinks, it transforms Melbourne’s nightlife. Between Friends is a stylish and friendly location to sip wine and meet individuals who share your beliefs, whether you’re a couple wishing to explore the lifestyle together or a single lady looking for a safe, inviting environment.

If you’re in Melbourne and want to go out for a night that’s a little unusual, grab a drink, bring your curiosity and check out the mood at Between Friends Wine Bar.