Inspired by their travels through East Africa, owners Dean and Jeanelle Mariani have opened Polepole (Swahili for "take it easy"), an earthy, rustic watering hole from Richmond designers Votre Monde. Skip the cutlery for a communal-style menu of sweet, smoke and spice (ribs, biltong, pork-filled cigars), balanced with such exotic cocktail combinations as ginger, honey, banana and coconut. Proceeds from imported African beer sales will go to not-for-profit organisations YGAP and Women for Women in Africa. Open daily 4pm-late.
Polepole Bar & Kitchen, level 1, 267 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, 9650 2448, polepolebar.com.au
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