Review by Time Out - Melbourne

“Embrace the spirit of enquiry at the dim, delightful Atticus Finch

As the name suggests, Brunswick’s Atticus Finch is a bar of the literary persuasion. Directly opposite the Alderman, it’s a deep, dimly lit venue that combines modern comfort with old-fashioned eccentricity. Scattered with old books and housing a collection of rustic ephemera including paraffin lamps, pinned insects and a handsome stuffed pheasant, it feels a little like the hunting lodge of a well read country gentleman.

Contradicting that impression however is a full set of decks, a record collection that ranges from bluegrass and modern folk to Grace Jones and Daft Punk, and a Storm Trooper helmet displayed like a prized artefact behind the bar.

Large, comfortable leather booths that seat up to six occupy the front of the bar, with more formal seating to the rear. There’s a sweet garden, and a small shed containing a free pool table at the very back.

Returning for the moment to matters literary and libational: the cocktails, which you’d be well advised to try, include the Catcher in the Rye, the De Balzac and the gentle Rose of Carringford. An impressive whisky list is prefaced with the tale of the SS Politician – the sinking of which inspired the book Whisky Galore! Sixteen bucks buys a ‘whisky flight’, a tasting selection of half-shots of any three whiskies.

There are wines from all over Europe and Australasia, and a large selection of bottled beers organised by type, including lagers and pilsners, English real and Belgian ales. The tap beer selection changes regularly, and is heavy on microbrews.

Drinkers are well covered as far as food goes: the bar menu includes ploughman’s, charcuterie platters, Mt Zero olives and posh toasties (pickled chillies, eggplant and Croatian sausage).

Atticus Finch is a bar for those keen to explore, from whisky to old books – so bring your natural curiosity and a sense of fun.”