Terms like “rising star” get thrown about often, but it’s a pretty accurate descriptor for multi-hyphenate entertainer, Milo Hartill (who is also known as That Fat Diva on Instagram). While she’s often front and centre on stage – such as in her laugh-out-loud debut show, Black, Fat and F**gy (BFF) – she also loves being part of the audience at the latest arts and cultural events in Melbourne. Here are Hartill’s hottest spots to wine and dine, before and after a show, in Southbank.
Miss Pearl
You can’t watch a show on an empty stomach, and Hartill’s go-to spot for a pre-show feed is Miss Pearl. Located in the heart of Melbourne’s bustling arts district, this contemporary Asian diner serves up creative cocktails and flavoursome share plates, including prawn toast, shiitake mushroom dumplings and twice-cooked tamarind pork ribs. There’s even a pre-theatre banquet menu, which is the perfect choice before a big night out at the Arts Centre.
Blondie Bar
Plan your night wisely so you have time to stop in at Blondie Bar for a tipple or two before the show. This place has an excellent Aussie-forward wine list and some fun cocktails to start the night, including the Pineapple Mimosa and Love Me Lychee. Get around Blondie’s Friday Jazz Jams from 5pm and Thursday DJ sets from 6pm till late.
Arts Centre Melbourne
Melbourne is known for its spectacular arts scene, and the Arts Centre Melbourne is the cultural hub for it all. This place puts on a star-studded line-up of events and shows year-round in its many venues, including the Hamer Hall, Playhouse, Sidney Myer Music Bowl, State Theatre and Fairfax Studio. Beyond performances, the Arts Centre houses various exhibition spaces and as a general rule, they remain open for an hour after the last show, allowing you to view them at your leisure.
Bar hopping along the Yarra River
Hartill is a huge fan of a nightcap (aren’t we all?) and likes to park herself along the Yarra River for post-show drinks. Feeling thirsty? Head straight to The Barre, which is located within the Arts Centre, and offers a late-night menu featuring chocolate panna cotta, Bailey’s cheesecake, craft beers and classic cocktails. Alternatively, walk seven minutes along the river to Waterslide Bar for playful cocktails and spectacular views of the city skyline.
