When we stopped by recently on a sunny afternoon, the Spring Fling felt like the right place to start from the carefully curated cocktail menu. It blends Never Never gin, Green Chartreuse, Talisker 10-year, pineapple and lemon into something fresh, floral and lightly smoky. The wine list is thoughtful, and there’s Guinness on tap, alongside crowd favourites like Stomping Ground Pilsner and Fixation IPA. With an artist-in-residence program and a warm, welcoming design, Pendant feels like a place you’ve always known. Right now, the walls feature vibrant works by Tahaani (Angel Face), a local painter inspired by ‘good food, good drinks and good company’.
Pendant is designed to feel like catching up at a friend’s place, but with a sharper, more refined drinks offering. How did that vision take shape?
We live in Fitzroy and when it comes to nights off, we almost always find ourselves opting for a drink at the pub “because it’s easy”. The comfort, nostalgia and quality that Fitzroy’s icons exude is pretty unbeatable. We marvel and respect the longevity of these places that are so welcoming it feels like home to hundreds, even thousands, of locals. So when it came to conceptualising Pendant we wanted it to feel lived-in already, to try to replicate that feeling you get at the pub. I guess that’s why it feels so friendly.
You offer just a focused selection of cocktails at a time. Why was it important to you to keep the list so tight and purposeful?
The burden of choice is definitely a factor when it comes to designing menus. We don’t want guests to have to spend the first 5 minutes catching up with their friends with their heads buried in a menu. We also love to go off-menu with some cocktail recommendations so by having 5 on there you can work your way through a few and then take an adventure with us down the Classics road.
Comfort and atmosphere seem to be at the heart of Pendant. What does that mean to you in practice?
Comfort and atmosphere ARE hospitality, everything else comes after the fact. It feels 101, but in practice it’s: dimming the lights in perfect increments to match the fading daylight, finding the perfect volume and style of music every night, striking the right balance of service — and yes, often making room for a few dogs at the bar too.
If you could sum up Pendant’s vibe in a playlist, what would it include? Any must-play tracks?
We never expected to play Country almost exclusively at Pendant. Both of us love country music and knew that we’d likely put it on during slower nights but anytime we’ve gone to change it to another genre, it just doesn’t feel right. So be prepared to listen to Country (the good kind). Must plays would probably be “Back to my Roots” by Ellis Bullard or “Mule Skinner” by the one and only Dolly.
Your artist-in-residence program is a great initiative and important part of Pendant’s identity. How did that come to life, and what do you look for in the artists you feature?
We realised it’s a great way to help the menus and venue refrain from becoming stagnant- by asking local artists to contribute designs for the menu pages and to hang original pieces for sale in the bar. Currently we are just working through some fantastic locals we are lucky enough to know personally, but we’re definitely looking to extend the reach — so if anyone is interested, consider this an invite to reach out.
Outside of Pendant, where do you go around Fitzroy when you want to recharge or get inspired (beyond food and drink)?
We’re both members of the Fitzroy Pool so that’s our gym and we love a little autumn swim (summer can get pretty intense). We’re also at Edi Gardens every day walking our dog, I can’t even count the amount of times we’ve lapped that park and it’s still a pleasure.
Pendant feels like it has been part of Brunswick Street forever, even though it’s new. What does being in Fitzroy mean to you?
Thank you, that’s our favourite compliment. We have lived and worked in the neighbourhood for the past 5 years, and now with the bar we feel very connected to the community. We know it’s a trope but being in Fitzroy means never having to leave. We’re so blessed to have everything you could want within walking distance and to be so close to the city but still have a sense of community.
📍Pendant Public Bar: 334 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
🕑 Open Thu – Mon 4 PM to Midnight
📸 Images: Jo Fox | Pendant
Enjoyed this story? Continue your evening with our guide to Fitzroy’s best cocktail bars or explore the best restaurants for date night around Fitzroy.
