The Gilded Key

Knock three times

Use the brass knocker — or press EnterTap the brass knocker

Enter without knocking
The Gilded Key

A hidden cocktail roomMelbourne CBD

The Gilded Key

Eight house cocktails, low lamps and a jazz trio on Thursdays — behind a green door off a city laneway.

  • Wed–Sun from 5pm
  • Walk-ins up to 6
  • Groups by booking
Find my drinkBook for a group

Every week

ThursdayLive jazz

The house trio — piano, double bass and brushes — plays two unhurried sets of standards, bossa nova and the odd request slipped under a coaster.

First set
8:00pm
Second set
9:30pm
Cover
None

Coming Thursdays

  1. The house trioStandards & bossa nova
  2. Guest vocalistTorch songs & ballads
  3. Piano & bass duoA slow late set
  4. The house trioSwing & requests

Line-ups are sample content. Tables for up to six are kept for walk-ins.

Before you sit down

House rules

Seven small courtesies that keep the room the way you found it.

  1. Knock three times

    You found the door. That's the hard part done.

  2. Voices low, glasses high

    It's a small room — keep conversation at table level so everyone can hear the band.

  3. Calls in the laneway

    Photos are welcome. Phone calls happen outside, under the lamp.

  4. Walk-ins up to six

    Larger groups book ahead so we can set the Emerald Room.

  5. Dress how you like

    Suits, denim, sequins — all fine. Just leave the thongs for the beach.

  6. Water on every table

    We serve responsibly and check ID for anyone who looks under 25.

  7. Be kind to the band

    Requests are welcome on a coaster. Heckles are not.

Seven or more

Bookings for groups

Birthdays, farewells, a quiet engagement toast — tell us who's coming and we'll hold a corner of the room or the curtained Emerald Room.

  • The Long BanquetteSeats 7–12 along the back bar, full menu.No minimum
  • The Emerald RoomCurtained nook for up to 14, with its own lamp and speaker.Min. $55 pp
  • Three-drink flightPick three from the eight, plus olives and spiced nuts.$58 pp
  • Share platesCheese, charcuterie, fried saltbush and a sweet to finish.$38 pp

Sample prices in AUD. Groups of up to 24 across the whole room on Wednesdays.

Request a group table