Loch & Key image

Loch & Key

Bar Cocktail bar

Stylish bar serving cocktails & craft beers in a cosy, dimly lit venue with rooms & a balcony. People often mention great, staff, night, drinks, Great, cocktails, service, friendly, cocktail, good,


Address

34 Franklin St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Website

www.lochandkey.com.au

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.30 (686 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 6 PM to 5 AM
  • Friday: (Good Friday), 5 PM to 7 AM, Hours might differ
  • Saturday: 5 PM to 7 AM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 8 PM to 5 AM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: (Easter Monday), 8 PM to 5 AM, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: 8 PM to 5 AM
  • Wednesday: 6 PM to 5 AM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: great (27) staff (24) night (23) drinks (21) Great (18) cocktails (16) service (16) friendly (14) cocktail (13) good (13)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 3/5 D A. 4 years ago on Google
    It's alright. It's pricey, clientele a bit snotty and so is the staff. Staff upstairs are the worst.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Lauren J. 4 years ago on Google • 116 reviews
    This is such a unique old bar that really stands out against the urban and modern surrounds. To get here you have to go through the main bar and upstairs to the cocktail lounge. The cocktails are around $20 each and they have no menu so be prepared to know what you want. The bartenders are experts and will help guide you.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Jim S. 4 years ago on Google
    The worst.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Anne Marie C. 4 years ago on Google
    The balcony is fantastic and the selection of liqueurs behind the bar is even better. Shame the bartender carried a chip on his shoulder. Seems he would rather start an argument than do his job and make a drink. Given there’s no cocktail list it’s up to the consumer to have a chat with the staff about what they might feel like. With so many great spirits on hand, it’s unfortunate he kept pouring a coloured premix into our drinks. Been to loads of cocktail bars can say this was one of the worst. Seriously unimpressed. Won’t be back.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Matthew O. 8 months ago on Google
    As a guest of the Intercontinental Melbourne, Concierge recommended Loch and Key as a bar which would be open late on a Monday night I shared an Uber with people I didn’t know! Shortly after arriving at the bar we were excluded from buying drinks based on our alleged intoxication. Whilst I would like to claim this accolade, I was only a few beers down. It was absolutely clear that I had been refused service based on my association, rather than my conduct. The staff took a photo of me (and the people I entered with) and allegedly shared it amongst nearby bars “via a chat”. As a result, sober, I was unable to enter other bars. For this reason I recommend avoiding this bar - Who in Australia doesn’t take a person at face value!!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Toby M. 4 years ago on Google
    Incredibly rude staff - did not make us feel welcome at all. Acted like we had inconvenienced them by turning up on a very unbusy night. The decor inside is nice but we won't be going back to this unwelcoming place
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 VONLEN M. 4 years ago on Google
    I was here with my friends yesterday, one of the bartender is very rude to me from the first time i arrived. (1) He asking me what am i going up to, then i said i have no idea, still thinking about it. Then he just give me ice water, i don't know why and i don't ask for it. (2) when we are was about to get out and back home, one of my friend go to the toilet, and we wait near the stairs, the he came up again, he said that i should leave now. I tell him that i waiting for my friend, but he keep telling me to leave, right away. I don't know why he so rude. I not doing anything wrong. Will never go back there again and never recommend this place! Bad service ever! This is my first time and last time to this place! Yuck!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anndy E. 2 years ago on Google
    Such friendly staff! Cocktail selection changes every week. As a standard, staff make bespoke drinks upon request, or there's a neat little themed menu each week on pretty paper. The venue is extremely cool. Lots of trinkets all around. Vintage meets cosy meets dimly lit meets great music.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Michael 4 years ago on Google
    What a disappointment! Rude barman and really bad service! Do not ask any questions because you will make him angry! It’s incredibly frustrating how someone can ruin your experience by being rude and unfriendly. Sorry for interrupting your shift and empty bar! Extremely disappointed and the only thing I would recommend is you avoid at all costs.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sarah C. 3 months ago on Google • 228 reviews New
    Staff are so exceptionally friendly! It was such a pleasure to be able to enjoy some friendly chats with such lovely, super attentive staff after a long day at a music festival. Cocktails are right on point 👌🏼🍸 food delicious, well presented and tasty! But the staff!!!! again, absolutely amazing! Thanks for a great end to the evening ❤️

  • 1/5 Felix M. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice place, but the bouncer had a massive power trip and cut me off for kissing my lady friend outside in the smoko, not a huge fan of that. Anyway, probably lost thousands of dollars of business from me, so I hope he enjoyed it, I certainly did. Probably employ some bouncers who get laid yeah?
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Ryan N. 3 years ago on Google
    The girl taking our order was very condescending, disrespectful, and inappropriate. I wish we didn't waste our time when there are better venues open for booking
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Neptune S. 5 years ago on Google
    Although no longer hidden behind an old bookshelf at the top of some worn out stairs, Loch and Key does not disappoint in any way. Our pink haired bartender (Michelle) was great! Ask her about her 2nd place cocktail in Melbourne's latests cocktail competition. It was delicious! Beautiful patio, though not much of a view. There are a few side rooms for community type sitting. Definitely visit this tucked away, 1st floor bar, if you are in the area.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alastair D. 1 year ago on Google
    Hands down my favourite bar to go to, whether it's for kick ons or for a long night in. Incredible staff that love some banter and truly put on a show with their cocktails. Great place to take friends or to just meet people, and the staff and security are always looking after people and quick to remove problematic ones. Plus they offer blankets, hot water bottles and toasted sandwiches. What more could you want?
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Gerson lanzieri e. 2 years ago on Google
    The place is really nice, unfortunately I didn’t have a good experience with the security in the entrance, that was really rude with us, he didn’t treat us well as a costumer and this make me fell that I won’t come back again.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Denise C. 4 years ago on Google
    The bartender was incredibly patronising, condescending and flat out rude. So many other reviews saying the same thing. You’d think it would be addressed? When you’re paying $20-25 a drink you expect a certain standard.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel 4 months ago on Google • 71 reviews
    I love the upstairs bar here so much. The bartenders are super nice and sweet and their drinks are really good. We also had an incident where someone was harassing my friend, the staff worked really quickly to have him removed and made sure we were happy to stay. Couldn't recommend this place more.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 JC A. 2 months ago on Google • 39 reviews New
    Loch and Key is a bit pricey, but the experience is undoubtedly worth it. The food is excellent, and it's the only place open in the evening at Loch. A reliable choice for a satisfying and flavorful dining option.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Gareth P. 1 month ago on Google • 13 reviews New
    Great late night venue. Was directed to this gem by another venue which has closed. Walked past this place so better signage would of been better. But managed to hear the music after we had walked past and found the entrance. Great venue with great drinks.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tarun B. 2 months ago on Google • 4 reviews New
    The staff are really friendly and welcoming. Been going there at least a couple of times a week for the last year. A highly recommended place which is open till late everyday.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Canadian M. 1 year ago on Google
    Gotta love the vibe and energy here! Great place to chill after work!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carl M. 3 years ago on Google
    Epic venue - literally second home. Beautiful team, fantastic menu (Love the leather) and the food is to die for. Great selection of whiskey, followed up with a humongous cocktail range that just adds to the atmospherics - creating this memorising experience - truly more than customer service. Also the sequence of service is just spot on.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Valerie N. 4 years ago on Google
    I've been here quite a few times so I'll write a more holistic review instead of detailing an individual experience. This is a pretty pricey place: cocktails are usually around 20 bucks, but worth it, especially the whisky sours, which are the best I've tasted so far in my life. One of the times I went though, it was quite busy and so we had to stand rather than sit. The outside can get quite loud also. But other times I've been, we've been able to get one of the rooms on the side, and have an entire room to ourselves, which is really nice and cosy. The last time I went I ordered a martini, and they gave us three olives EACH, which was generous because it was basically a meal inside a drink. The olives were delicious, though the martini not so much but I think that's a matter of personal preference. I also ordered a whisky sour from someone who was clearly new to the job, but the sour was still excellent so overall a great experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Van T. 11 months ago on Google
    Went out with friends to celebrate a birthday, ended up a regular customer Raj (wears a turban) tried to shove his tongue down my friend's mouth without her consent. Manager was mates with him and ended up laughing at us women who were upset, "get a load of these chicks". Was absolutely shocked and dismayed to find out that it was the actual manager of Loch & Key, even the staff walked off when he showed up because it was evident that the manager was an unpleasant person. 0 respect for us women as he kept laughing and not actually caring about what happened, when someone was actually violated by a gigantic gross man who frequents the bar regularly. The manager was horrendously rude to us and made us leave, and was evidently very nice and calm towards Raj in particular. I have no idea how he is allowed to run an establishment like this with such disgusting attitude, with 0 respect for his customers, and with no customer service skills let alone adept at dispute resolution. Worse of all he is predator-friendly. Definitely will not be back.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris C. 1 year ago on Google
    Tried the cider, local beer, mojito, and the zombie drink. All were refreshing and tasty. Especially enjoyed the cider and the local beer. Great place to chill and have a drink with your friends. The bartender was friendly and skillful. Will definitely come back when I travel to Melbourne.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Clare 2 years ago on Google
    One of my favourite places to go when everywhere else closes. Balcony is spacious and the atmosphere is great. Not the place to be if you enjoy a great selection of tap beers, but if you’re a fan of cocktails you’re in luck. Staff are lovely.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Thomas M. 1 year ago on Google
    Had a great late night experience with me and my mates. Sean, Tane, and Margot were the picture of polite and the drinks were a very reasonable price all things considering.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 anj L. 1 year ago on Google
    The actual bar itself is good vibes but the bartender with red hair was very rude to multiple people I had met and the lady with dark hair in an ponytail kept rolling her eyes and being very patronising to me and some younger girls. I understand working in hospo can be hard and you get a lot of weird customers but they were so rude to the point we all left. They just killed the vibe and weee quite judgy didn’t even hide it at all.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 bjbarsted 4 years ago on Google
    Massively over priced. Charred $70 for one shot of Japanese whiskey
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jhilik A. 10 months ago on Google
    Visited here with friends for a pre-drink before dinner and had the loveliest experience. We weren't expecting much, just picked it because it was a convenient location. But our bartender was friendly and incredibly knowledgeable about gin, plus they have a great selection. She gave lots of great ideas and helped me try a new gin, and paired it perfectly with tonic and garnish. It was a better service than I've received at some gin venues, would happily go back again to try more of their selection
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pratyusha R. 4 months ago on Google • 20 reviews
    One of my favourite bars in the city. The bartenders are fun to talk to and make incredible custom cocktails. Love the dark gloomy ambience and background rock music.

  • 4/5 Zeno F. 1 year ago on Google • 13 reviews
    It is a lovely place where I experienced a cultural melting pot with a great staff. Food is authentic Thai but adopts the mellow OZ tastes.

  • 3/5 Natalie B. 8 months ago on Google • 11 reviews
    Bar tenders were amazing, atmosphere was amazing, but the security guards '"lost" our donuts. We came in around 1am, left at 4am and when I asked for my stuff back the donuts were gone. We had a feeling the donuts would disappear when he first offered to keep them in the back room so wasn't surprised when he couldn't find them.

  • 5/5 Jacqueline D. 1 month ago on Google • 10 reviews New
    We lunched at L&K the day after a five-day post storm blackout. We were greeted with relaxed and hospitable service and a reduced, yet delicious menu. Great bounce-back by a resilient and resourceful team.

  • 5/5 Tani S. 5 months ago on Google
    Great pub! Manager was amazing and cocktails were on point. Highly recommend

  • 5/5 Paola H. 7 months ago on Google
    I ask for the bartenders suggestion and wow I was surprised with an amazing cocktail. Thanks Brandon 🫶

  • 5/5 Matthew F. 1 year ago on Google
    Lost my wallet here, and the fantastic bar staff went above and beyond to ensure I got it back. Classy bunch, particularly Sean and Carl. Otherwise great vibes, relaxed atmosphere, do yourself a favor and go here.

  • 5/5 Eliza R. 1 year ago on Google
    Margot and Kurt are bloody legend!!! 100% recommend this place xx the service was excellent. They made us feel so welcome and we’re lovely to chat to!!!

  • 5/5 Yiren C. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice

  • 5/5 Nell B. 3 years ago on Google
    First time there last night, definitely going back! Has the right ambience and the food was amazing-Beef Brisket sandwich with cheeses and chips, a burger and a crab and prawn sandwich with crisps-very tasty and highly recommend a visit.

  • 5/5 Christine C. 1 year ago on Google
    5 out of 5 for the 2 bar men that served us . It is a Monday night earlier we went to the spleen bar and they ignored us even tho we ordered the most expensive cocktails and we not there for a comedy show, we spoke to a female barten5and she was not friendly. We asked to sit at the bar , and the bar was empty , we were happy to pay to sit at the bar befits comedy night and obviously comedians should be paid paid for their work. Anyway lock n key were amazing especially the Scottish bar tarte, he welcomed us as soon as wee arrived we bought the most expensive drinks at $40 each and tell we very professional here best service from the Scottish bat tebenr. Plus the dark curly hair guy was good too his cocktails were so good. Seriously the drinks and service here were so good compared to the last place I will cum here again, thanks to your amazing staffing makes all the difference

  • 5/5 Kilian S. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely Fantastic Bar. I came here with my best friend for a visit. We were staying in Melbourne for 4 Days and were here nearly every night the Barkeepers (Eamon, Kurt, Tane, Shawn) are absolute Leg(ends). Its a place u can drink something after 12pm and the music is also great. Give it a try! Thank you soo much for the great Hospitality!! We will be back!! Kilian and Philip

  • 5/5 R H. 1 year ago on Google
    Great atmosphere and cocktail menu. Bit of a hidden location inside a restaurant.

  • 4/5 Tomahawk 1 year ago on Google
    Great bar with a great outside area. Open late so it’s a good place to go after a night out. Just a shame that the bouncer is incredibly rude.

  • 5/5 Eugenia de la L. 1 year ago on Google
    Love the vibe here, the building and the decoration are beautiful! I normally have stayed in the terrace outside, perfect for summer nights. Good selection of beers, drinks and snacks!!

  • 1/5 apinat m. 1 year ago on Google
    There is a rude security guard. He did not respect customers at all. And the manager didn't come out to figure anything out.

  • 5/5 MYSSY VURTUAL (Secondary E. 10 months ago on Google
    Amazing venue, best pub meal I've eaten my whole life, great music, great vibe, wonderful service. Will definitely be back!

  • 5/5 Jesse T. 1 year ago on Google
    One of Melbourne's best bars, great cocktail prices and bartenders who will make your favourite cocktails and might even inspire you to create your own! Great music also, went here on a Monday night and was surrounded by hospo workers enjoying their night off, great atmosphere and vibes

  • 5/5 pastelsparkles 11 months ago on Google
    Visited pretty late at night and the staff were so friendly and welcoming. We had a few drinks here and the price point was great. Very happy to come back here soon.

  • 1/5 Flavius / Andrew D. 11 months ago on Google
    My partner and I went to this venue on a night when it was very explicitly a #90skid vibe going by the music and the young crowd. In an attempt to join in with the theme we asked for Jaeger shots and were subjected to a very harsh and judgy “No” by the bar person, who didn’t offer any alternatives. I wanted to ask if they at least have Sambucca or Ouzo but I felt too embarrassed after that exchange. Would not recommend.

  • 5/5 Peter W. 3 years ago on Google
    It's open till 7am! So no need to rush. Nice chilled atmosphere.

  • 5/5 Lucie M. 3 years ago on Google
    The best of the best! Expert cocktails, supreme alcohol knowledge. I was extremely impressed with staff knowledge of all products. Asked for a recommended cocktail and it was perhaps the best cocktail I've ever had. 10/10 recommend for anyone looking for a good drink. Also big shout out to our waiter, Johnno! He was superb the entire night.

  • 5/5 Alexis 4 years ago on Google
    very cool place for drinks and meeting people

  • 5/5 radoslav v. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Nar with very handy and friendly service. Large selection of drinks and drinks. Possibility to sit in and out. Opening hours suitable for longer reception ? (Original) Nar s velmy sikovnou a prijemnou obsluhou. Velky vyber drinkov a napojov. Moznos sediet aj dnu aj von. Otvaracie hodiny vyhovujuce dlhsej pijatike ?

  • 5/5 Luc M. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice place

  • 5/5 Nishant T. 4 years ago on Google
    Fantastic bar to go for in late night with balcony seating.

  • 5/5 Sara F. 4 years ago on Google
    Great bar with awesome balcony

  • 5/5 Jason H. 4 years ago on Google
    Sweet hidden bar

  • 5/5 Nikhil S. 4 years ago on Google
    Really cool place to have a drink and hang out

  • 5/5 Brendan K. 4 years ago on Google
    Staff are great, bar tenders are great and cocktails are awesome!!

  • 5/5 bubblewrapp 3 years ago on Google
    Best bar in Melbourne by far ❤

  • 5/5 Declan C. 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely service and tasty food

  • 5/5 咎志 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful bar. Good taste cocktail.

  • 4/5 Stephen G. 4 years ago on Google
    great bar BUT smoking on the balcony in the food serving area was so disappointing. nice cocktails, friendly staff, just get rid of the smoking completely.

  • 3/5 Jeff S. 4 years ago on Google
    Yeah, it’s seriously Okay at best. Definitely a place that is comfortable in its limited success and reveling in its assumed ongoing good fortune. Given its location, find a more convenient and better priced bar that has less wanjers. This is the place you go to,so that you can tell all of your limited ‘friends’ that you went there.

  • 5/5 Madi D. 4 years ago on Google
    Great bar, open till 7am which is handy for hospitality workers. Excellent, knowledgeable staff. Nice balcony area to enjoy the night life.

  • 4/5 Alex M. 4 years ago on Google
    A really cute venue. It was very cosy and we enjoyed our time there. The drinks weren't the greatest and the bar staff were a bit haphazard when listening to orders.

  • 4/5 Tess S. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice ambience. Great selections of cocktails/beer. Barmen are awesome. They can make you interesting cocktails. A bit pricey and crowded on weekends though.

  • 4/5 Lucy 4 years ago on Google
    Late closed bar! But there’re not many seats ?

  • 5/5 Loc T. 2 years ago on Google
    Great bar above Captain Melville. I thought it was going to be kind of a wanky, “hidden” Melbourne bar, but I was happily surprised that the service was super friendly, the cocktails were great, and the space just felt pretty welcoming overall.

  • 5/5 James Lovery (. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place for late night drinks, friendly patrons and beyond helpful staff alongside a relaxing atmosphere, drinks at a little expense, but Locke & Key makes a perfect place for pre drinks or late night shenanigans. Great little bar in the heart of the CBD!

  • 5/5 Thomas A. 4 years ago on Google
    Great wee bar. Friendliest security and staff. Always have a great night here.

  • 4/5 Neal A. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice little Speakeasy in Melbourne. Took me a while to find when I went looking for it. Well worth the effort.

  • 5/5 dylan h. 4 years ago on Google
    Open till early morning, enough said :)

  • 4/5 Jonnie W. 4 years ago on Google
    I really enjoyed this place.... it’s chilled, relaxed and has good vibes. I did get here for about 8/9 so early in the night. So not sure what it’s like later. Slightly daunting that there is no cocktail menu for any noobs out there (me) but where well guided

  • 5/5 Dom T. 4 years ago on Google
    Actually ana amazing Staffies venue

  • 5/5 Stephanie H. 4 years ago on Google
    Cozy with excellent drinks and a wonderful balcony

  • 5/5 Shuo Y. 4 years ago on Google
    Open until very late good place

  • 5/5 Kimel P. 4 years ago on Google
    Bartenders know how to customer service

  • 5/5 Joe B. 4 years ago on Google
    Never sleep

  • 5/5 teresa c. 4 years ago on Google
    Fun time open till 5am some craft beers cosy chilled slightly Irish style good smoking area.

  • 4/5 Nova C. 4 years ago on Google
    The place to go when everyone else has called it a night. The drinks aren't cheap, but who can complain.

  • 5/5 Ann G. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice bar, great verandah to sit a relax, or sit in a room, good range of drinks

  • 5/5 JARROD M. 4 years ago on Google
    After a drink and it’s late... t This place is know for being open and having people in the bar industry dropping in for a drink on the way home after work.

  • 5/5 Robert H. 4 years ago on Google
    Bar tenders here know thier stuff! Awesome place if you come off peak

  • 5/5 Luke S. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing little hideaway! Fantastic cocktails!

  • 5/5 tommyd 2. 2 months ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    Love coming here. Everywhere else in CBD can seem desolate in the early hours but this venue and the craic here is always reliable, the best. From one hospo friendly joint to another, the staff here can come to the Mill Brewery in Collingwood and receive equal hospitality, cus they more than deserve it
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Edie H. 3 months ago on Google • 1 review New
    Kurt was amazing. Every time I went to The bar he knew what we wanted. The hospitality was amazing. We left our sunglasses behind without noticing and Kurt ran down the road to give it to us. 10/10 what a role model.

  • 5/5 Jesse K. 1 month ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    Popped in for a late dinner, kitchen was closing as I rang but they were so accommodating they kept it open for 10 minutes for us to arrive on a Sunday night. Food and drinks were delicious, staff were very friendly and down to earth. To top it all off desert was to die for. Will be stopping in next ride through.


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Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Food at bar
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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