Hayley Percy is a Wiradjuri woman living and working in Naarm. By day, she heads up music at Rising, programming some of the city’s most exciting and eclectic gigs over two weeks in June, and by night, she moves through Naarm’s restaurants and bars with the same thought and rigour she brings to those line-ups.
Here’s Percy with where she’s drinking and dining during Rising 2025.
My local is… That’s truly too hard to say. There are too many gorge spots just a mere tram or bus (yes, the bus) away. I am partial to The Railway Hotel on Nicholson Street or Hotel Lombardo on Sydney Road. I often find myself at North Fitzroy Arms, Punters Club or Tramway. Joe’s Shoe Store on High Street and a slice from Pizza Meine Liebe is pretty elite. If I had to play faves, I’d probably find myself at Gerald’s Bar on Rathdowne Street for the comfort of knowing you’ll have a perfect hang. France-Soir would get more of a turn if I was local to it but alas, it’s over the river.
My favourite place to stock up on supplies is La Manna in Essendon. It’s really lit. So many snack options. A gal loves options. You can also stick your head into DFO if you so choose, which is a pretty mad detour.
The best new thing I’ve found is that fancy joints love a set-price date night steak moment. Estelle and Ides are both rocking a great cheap delish vibe here.
My favourite spot for a pre-show feed is… During Rising I love popping in to Aru or Mesa Verde for an early Moon Bite snack ahead of the show.
It really depends on where the giggy is but when I’m in the city, Supper Inn is a quick, delicious and soul-nourishing spot to kick off from. Bar Lourinhã is also a tried and trusted staple for a pre- or post-snacky and wine. They fit the mood for any event from the Comedy Festival, MIFF or a night of art and music at Rising.
Otherwise, Di Stasio Città for a Martini that looks as good as it tastes and some sunshine pasta – heaven.
And for a post-show nightcap, it simply must be… When Rising is in full force I love to head to Night Trade in Howey Place for some frivolity and a late night sip. Siglo for a little Spritz also never hurt anyone, or Angel Bar if you’re at a rave and it doesn’t finish until 4am.
When I want to really go crazy on a fancy meal, I Google search “prawn cocktail Melbourne” and then assess my options.
When I want to show off the city to friends from out of town, I like to take them for a wander and bop into town without any set location and follow our hearts and tummies until we’re content. Go for a little shop, snack, bev, laneway, photobooth. Really become a bit of a live action TikTok by accident.
When I want to drink something local, my first choice is Blackhearts & Sparrows. They’re always there for a friendly neighbourly convo recommending the best of the best in local wine producers. I personally enjoy a crisp rosé.
There’s no better value in the city than Tokui Sushi on Lonsdale Street. The spicy tuna handroll is insane – it’s my fave sushi ever. And they’re only $2.50 a roll. It’s wild, truly wild.
If I could change one thing about eating and drinking here it would be that doing it every night makes you quite tired. It’s perhaps not entirely healthy and it can also send you broke.
But the one thing I hope never changes in here is that you can do it every night! And there is always somewhere fab to visit. Cheap or fancy, it’s not hard to find gorgeous service and somewhere that puts a genuine investment in making people happy with food – but more importantly, the memories of a good meal with good company will award you.
Rising runs from Wednesday 4 June through to Sunday 15 June. Explore the full program here and follow @rising.melbourne for more.