The Thousands

Straight from the tawdry vestibules of the Vatican comes an addition to the Nicholson Street black-pudding-prayer house Pope Joan. The new bar is named the Bishop Of Ostia – the son whose birth on horseback blew the cover of the cross-dressing babe-in-popes-clothing and led to her downfall. Nothing quite as scandalous appears to be happening behind the roller door up the deceptively dusty end of the 96-tram line, however it is only opening night.

The Joan boys have been waiting a while for the license to come through so it is with many hallelujahs that the Bishop now opens for service. In the vein of the exceptional fare cooked up next door, the bar will be serving only the best local Vic produce, beers and wine. The menu theme is ‘Middle Ages’, with pig’s ears and pork scratchings cooked to perfection. Kidding, the menu is great, actually, with the pig bits sitting alongside fancy delights such as spanner crab and salmon roe.

Owner Ben Foster has done an incredible reno on the space, working alongside Matt Rawlins and neighbours CBD Asset with a large concept piece designed by local artist Josef Marzi. Joan’s prime backyard space will be used by the bar, and the two venues effortlessly come together like legendary gender-defying religious martyr and bastard son.