W Melbourne’s Curious cocktail lounge and renowned drinks alchemist Matt Whiley have unveiled Curious Matter, a daring new menu that blurs the lines between mixology and science.
Inspired by the fundamental states of matter – solid, liquid, gas, and vapour – plus an elusive fifth state: curiosity, this immersive experience goes far beyond the glass. Business travellers can expect multisensory theatrics, distinct flavours, contrasting textures, and dramatic service rituals, with classic cocktails reimagined through a scientific lens.
These creations push the boundaries of flavour and form. Take the Quantum Silk – a cocktail that begins with the lick of an electrified lime leaf, igniting a tingling sensation that evolves the taste of the drink the longer you sip.
For a dose of mischief, the Wizz Fizz is delivered with a detonated garnish, set alight at the table to unveil a peach aroma that enhances the cocktail’s stone fruit flavours. On Cloud Nine has been reimagined as a mojito you can eat: white rum, mint, and lime whipped into a delicate, edible cloud that melts on the tongue. Meanwhile, Surface Tension is a cocktail served beneath a veil of rain-scented fog – it’s less a drink and more a memory you can taste.
When looking for a partner for this ambitious new menu, the Curious team tapped one of the most innovative bartenders the country has to offer. Globally recognised for his boundary-pushing approach to mixology, Matt Whiley is far more than a bartender. He’s an innovator, sustainability pioneer and above all, a storyteller.
With a background rooted in experimentation and a deep understanding of ingredients, Matt has carved a unique space for himself in the global drinks scene, from founding World’s 50 Best Bars Scout in London and Re in Sydney, to his consulting and collaborating in top bars around the world. Across continents, he doesn’t just develop cocktails; he builds experiences around them, often using foraged, fermented, and repurposed elements that others might overlook.
Inspired by the city’s spirit of creativity, Curious brings the W Melbourne ethos to life with unexpected flavour combinations, with the Curious Matter menu being the next evolution. A step through a hidden entrance, the underground space reveals an atmosphere charged by live music programming, inventive cocktails and a menu of small bites and sharing plates for an all-night experience.
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