Life's Too Short Bar

LIFE’S TOO SHORT BAR is Melbourne’s most romantic hidden gem, housed in the 160-year-old bluestone cellars of the former Victoria Brewery. With over 20 wines by the glass, over 30 cocktails and some great brews, there’s also an extensive European-themed gluten-free and coeliac-safe tapas and dining menu available from early afternoon until 11pm at night.

Head Chef Sigrid, is passionate about the slow-food movement and her Swiss-French ancestry, so daily specials often feature flavour-packed slow-cooked dishes and new takes on old family recipes, all designed to match the bar’s extensive vintage (old) wine list, curated by husband and Sommelier, Antony. There’s also an old and rare cellar wine list available with wines up to 20 years old.

Those with almost any dietary requirement can finally relax because food is crafted in the bar’s tiny three-square-meter kitchen from fresh seasonal ingredients and prepared with the sort of care and love that you can taste, with the team going above and beyond to adapt or craft dishes to accommodate any intolerances and allergies.

To start you can enjoy a special "First Table" platter featuring some of the 18 artisan salamis and perfectly ripe Epicurean cheese from all over the world. There's also an extensive range of Artisa Tasmania (cashew) cheeses for vegans and the dairy intolerant.

The menu’s tapas dishes then provide a chance to roam around Europe with air-friend Cypriot haloumi, Spanish pan-fried chorizo and serrano jamon, French baked brie with chestnuts and truffle, or Gin, cranberry and sage. Larger mains or share plates like Norwegian Salmon Hollandaise and specials like 24-hour French onion soup, 18-hour beef Bourguignon or Sig’s famous 72-hour slow-cooked Italian Lasagne are incredibly soul-nurturing (but not always available).

Those with a sweet tooth can celebrate with a Belgian chocolate lava volcano, but there’s also a vegan-friendly Ferrero Rocher dessert will totally surprise, along with seasonal specials like butterscotch delight and steamed puddings. You can even enjoy an old Portuguese port or a bespoke cocktail to match your chosen dessert.

Housed in an 170-year-old historic cellar, the heritage overlay means that there's no commercial kitchen. Instead food is lovingly prepared before service and then cooked to order in an oven or air-fryer in the tiny three-square meter open kitchen behind the bar. It's an exercise is culinary gymnastics for sure!

Visiting Life’s Too Short is unlike most other dining experiences – it’s more like visiting a private lounge room than a bar, with super comfy chairs and couches and relaxing bossa-nova-style jazz. Rotating art exhibitions on the gallery walls means there’s always something new to see and hear ... and whether it be cocktails, wine or food, there’s always something new to try!

Sadly this venue will close on 02 August 2026 as the lease is up, so get in before they're gone!