“36 bars you should have been to if you live in Melbourne” is The Urban List’s selection of hidden gems frequented by locals … like the Panama Dining Room (“boasts views of the Melbourne CBD and surrounds through the stunning arch windows, and serves amazing French-inspired food”) and Black Pearl (“the vibe is cosy and welcoming, with comfy seating and rich colours and textures that invite you to settle in and enjoy a martini or five”), both in the grungy gentrified zone of Fitzroy. And if you’re in the market for bars with an Asian flavour, have a look at Time Out’s “China bar crawling” feature. And if you want intelligence on Aussie pubs (not trendy bars) out of town, the local tabloid Herald Sun’s “20 of the best country pubs outside Melbourne” will get you in the mood.