If you're anything like us, you've probably spent the past few weeks glued to the Afloat Instagram account, trying to decode the clues and figure out just where in the world this year's theme is taking inspo from. Well, if you guessed the exhilarating and electrifying city of Rio de Janeiro, congrats – you're right on the money.
Yep, in celebration of the beloved on-water bar's tenth (!!) season, the Afloat team is bringing all the colour, chaos and creativity of the Brazilian city to the Yarra River. That means a whole new look and vibe, including fresh interiors, tasty food and drink options, and a red-hot entertainment program.
“Think of Rio de Janeiro and golden sand, shimmering beaches, a mountainous backdrop and the lively percussion of samba echoing in the distance will likely come to mind,” says HQ Group’s chief marketing officer, Georgie Larkins. “The city is a lively, pulsating party that blends natural beauty, architectural icons, historical legacy and creative talents.”
From a design perspective, think umbrellas in lush shades of green, ocean-blue awnings and furnishings in sunset-inspired shades. There will also be plenty of natural materials (wood, rattan, rope), bright ceramic pots and a rainforest worth of lush tropical plants and palms.
With Rio's fun beachfront drinking culture in mind, the cocktail list has been curated to hero all varieties of fresh fruit – we're talking everything from guava, passionfruit and açai to watermelon, pineapple and citrus. Standout bevvies include the Passionfruit Pisco Sour, Raspberry Chilcano and a dedicated frozen section of Batidas, Daiquiris and Pina Coladas.
But it's the food we're most excited about. Brazilian cuisine is a cultural melting point, drawing on techniques and flavours from places like Portugal, Africa, Japan, Colombia and Venezuela. The menu is set to feature street food snacks like arepas, empanadas, fried cheese and crispy prawns, along with a dedicated grill section that pays homage to South America's love of chargrilling.
And because it wouldn't be a Rio theme without a touch of Carnival, there will be a jam-packed program of fun events, including salsa classes and full-venue parties (BYO feathered headpieces and bejewelled body suits, of course).
Afloat officially opens on Friday, August 29 for walk-ins only. Bookings are available from Friday, September 5 onwards. To find out more, head to the website.
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