Platform 28 measures up

By Alison Kinkade

With the warmer weather and longer days here, it's time to head out on the town and where better to start than in one of Docklands’ newest venues, Platform 28.

Located on Bourke St, opposite Etihad Stadium, my colleagues and I decided to venture out to the new venue one balmy Friday afternoon and enjoy a few drinks.

Upon entering the venue at 4pm we were surprised to find the venue already packed out with people who were well into the swing of the weekend, although after enjoying a few drinks over the next few hours we soon realised why!

With its relaxed feeling and social atmosphere, Platform 28 makes it easy for you to forget all about the worries of the working week and get down to the important business – having fun.

Having settled down on one of the comfortable lounge-style seats, we made a quick run to the bar to see what was on offer.

Not only were we impressed to find some very helpful and good-looking staff at the bar, we were also impressed by the beverage list which was varied enough to quench even the most particular of drinkers on that 32 degree day.

With a glass of Sauvingnon Blanc or Asahi beer in hand we quickly rushed outside at the sight of a table becoming available.

It is outside that the bar embraces the Australian summer and continues to impress with a gracefully-placed tree reaching up to an opening in the roof, as well as glass surrounds shielding the clientele from the inevitable winter winds.

Effortlessly blending its past life as a railway goods shed with its new revived life as a restaurant/bar, Platform 28 offers a rustic charm which is not present in so many other venues.

Though quite a large venue, it still has the feeling of cosiness with little seating nooks placed throughout the venue.

With sophistication and a comfortable ambience, the venue is likely to become a haunt for both the corporate and casual crowd alike – just make sure you get there and check it out before the AFL season starts and the rest of Melbourne discovers our Docklands gem.

So whether you're heading home from work and feel like stopping in for some drinks with your colleagues or are looking for somewhere to catch up with friends, check out Platform 28.

Oh, and if you do decide to check out Platform 28, here are a few tips:

If you know you will be getting there after 4pm then make sure you call ahead and reserve a table;

There are dress restrictions so err on the side of caution – even if it is hot and you do want to wear a pair of shorts – just don't;

If you get hungry don't bother leaving – they have an amazing menu; and

Have fun.