The Understudy Ski Lodge Melbourne, Australia

You don’t need snow, skis, or a chalet in the Alps to enjoy an après-ski moment this winter, you just need to find the right door in Melbourne’s CBD.

The Understudy is back, and she’s had a very stylish glow-up. Reborn as The Understudy Ski Lodge, this hidden subterranean cocktail den is now a full-blown alpine fever dream without the altitude sickness.

Slide past the unassuming wood cabin door (yes, there’s a stag knocker) and descend into a world of vintage ski posters, flickering candles, fur throws, and the sweet scent of ‘log cabin’. It’s all the romance of a snowed-in lodge without having to drive to Mt Buller… or go outside.

And the drinks are guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out. ’Winter’s Orchard’ arrives steaming, spiked with spiced syrup and pink lady cider, while ‘Chalet Noir’ tastes like bourbon met a hot chocolate and never looked back. And if you’re into Biscoff (who isn’t?), ‘The Midnight Slope’ is basically dessert in a glass.

The food is equally extra: baked camembert, halloumi with a Moroccan twist, sliders with truffle chips, and a fondue that could make you cry real chocolatey tears.

Walk-ins only. No bookings, no pretension, just good times in soft lighting. If you’re looking to escape the cold while leaning dramatically into it, The Understudy Ski Lodge is Melbourne’s answer to your winter daydreams.