LOCATION
Downstairs in the Georges Building, in the centre of Collins Street.
DETAILS
Longroom feels as if it has been designed as a decadent buffet of social and culinary temptation. The name of the venue is unsurprisingly descriptive of its layout, which consists of a main central bar couched between various lounges and eating areas. The décor plays on the theme of warm, chic, over the top opulence, however the different sections do manage to retain elements of individuality. Before you make it to the bar, expect to be waylaid by cute, cheerily lit sushi booths, or the funky communal tapas table. Strewn throughout the establishment are inviting lounge areas brimming with plush seating and dramatic light fittings. Ironwork dividers create cloistered spots perfect for a private conversation or relaxing evening cocktail.
FOOD AND BEVERAGES
Mix and match with a choice between tapas and sushi, or just go with the flow and have both. Longroom’s extensive tapas menu is accented with Asian influences as well as offering well worn Mediterranean favourites. Tapas plates start at $7, sushi rolls (eight pieces) are $14.50 and the yummy dumplings are $5.50 for three pieces. If dining with a group, platters are a popular choice. For $35 (catering up to ten people), choose your desired nibbles from a menu including chilli crumbed calamari, prawn and edamame spring rolls and ricotta cheese croquettes. Seasonal banquet menus are also available. In the drinks department, Longroom is similarly well equipped and creative. The chatty cocktail menu is a particular highlight.
FUNCTIONS
Longroom specialises in events of all sizes. There are three decade themed lounges that can be reserved, or the private ‘Short Room’ holds 60 guests standing and 20 for a sit down dinner. The venue can be rented exclusively and holds between 90 and 620 guests.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
The Georges building once housed a fantastic boutique department store. Downstairs, where the menswear section was, there have been many changes. The latest transformation resulted in The Long Room, which is actually a series of designer rooms, many of which are ideal for functions. The main space is cleverly lit for a moody effect, with ironwork screens dividing up the areas. A large moose head above the entrance oversees couches and armchairs in a number of stylishly designed lounge areas, and seats at the various bars. What makes The Long Room so useful is its versatility. Call in for a beer at the bar after work, come with a group of friends for some snacks and a catch-up, or end an evening with a lingering nightcap.
The food is an unexpected combination of tapas and Japanese, and both cuisine styles work well as tipple accompaniments. Choose something from the sushi bar or share a bowl of edamame soy beans as you peruse the menu. Try some prawn spring rolls or opt for a French cheese platter if a bottle of red wine is on the cards. The chicken and potato empanadas, miniature pies and the albonigas meatballs are terrifically tasty and just the tastebud ticklers with a beer or a cocktail – of which there are quite a few.
Rita Erlich