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  • To Croft Institute 
The Croft Institute is quite an alternative and a unique bar and lounge. Almost like a science lab from a horror film, the Croft Institute definitely draws in an interesting crowd. With DJs of urban music and live jazz musicians, the Croft offers interesting entertainment. The Croft caters for functions and parties.

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Reviews of Croft Institute

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  • Joren   7 reviews
    The Croft Institute is another great bar that truly reflects the character and creativity of Melbourne. Lodged away behind the seedy croft alley, you will get to see another facet of Melbourne few locals tend to admire which is the street art, which has been meticulously crafted to reflect the artists views. The Site was originally a Mental Hospital but over the years was abandoned and turned into this star of the nightlife.

    The atmosphere is a mix of scientific noir and even has wheelchairs and other strange decorations that compliment the theme and feel of the bar itself.

    You can really venture forth and try an arrangement of cocktails from a glass or if youre brave enough a syringe!

    You will definitely not forget this place anytime soon!

    11 months ago - 11/06/2012

  • TeacherSA  Local Star   42 reviews
    The Croft Institute was an interestingly strange choice for an after dinner drink on a Saturday night. Led by our Melbourne local mate down a dark, graffiti lined alley upon entering Croft with its science lab feel. The theme fills the down stairs bar, which had a huge range of cocktails mixed by friendly bar staff. A fantastic atmosphere, we were sorry we couldn't follow the crowd upstairs and party on!

    17/07/2010

  • Emma-Lou  Local Star   296 reviews
    Went here saturday night and had the best night out I can honestly say I have had in years! Music is funky and non mainstream and on the first floor is played at a nice level that still enables you to have a conversation.
    The whole science lab theme is brilliant, a complete feast for the eyes and I spent half the night wandering around taking photos of all the wonderful brick a brack.
    Staff are friendly and more than helpful. Bar tender reccomended us all drinks that were the best things we have all ever tasted! Croft also brings in a different sort of crowd to Melbourne's more mainstream venues, people tend to be around mid-late twenties and are friendly enough to start random conversations with you.
    An absolute hidden gem within Melbourne, what will now be known as my favourite place to go out and kick back with my mates!

    30/11/2009

  • Carlito   2 reviews
    Quietish for a Saturday night but worth the effort finding it. Far from your average bar so you have to make a visit if you are nearby

    01/12/2008

  • lisahari  Barfly   444 reviews
    Fantastic space. Old lab turned bar/ performance space.

    13/06/2008

  • Teri   20 reviews
    Set in what seems to be a rather dingy alley, this is a funky little bar with a science lab theme. While the alleyway might be off-putting, don't be deterred, as they make a mean Mojito! Would recommend to others, just for the experience.

    12/12/2007

  • Monday:
    5:00 PM-1:00 AM
  • Tuesday:
    5:00 PM-1:00 AM
  • Wednesday:
    5:00 PM-1:00 AM
  • Thursday:
    5:00 PM-1:00 AM
  • Friday:
    5:00 PM-3:00 AM
  • Saturday:
    8:00 PM-3:00 AM

Pubs & Bars

Functions

Private Parties Club Events

Family friendly

No

Features

Happy Hour

Drinks

Imported Beer Imported Beer on Tap Champagne Beer on Tap Spirits Cocktails Wine

Accommodation

No

Entertainment

DJs Live Comedy Live Music

Editorial Reviews

  • The Croft Institute

    Ultimate Melbourne

    Sunday, August 02, 2009

    Be sure to make the journey only in the company of friends as you could think you were being led to your demise on the journey to this bar, making your way down labyrinthine alleyways to the slightly eerie but super-popular Croft Institute. There’s random laboratory equipment on display in glass cabinets, drinks are served in test-tube racks and they make perhaps the city’s best Mojito. Before you leave, don’t forget to visit the bathroom with its old hospital bed while an old wheelchair hangs in the stairwell. It’s not just what you were drinking – this is a something straight out of One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest!

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