Paradox, Melbourne’s newest hidden bar, is easier to find than you think - and a perfect comedy show pit-stop

For the next 10 days, Flinders Lane favourite Supernormal is a babushka doll of venues, with a new pop-up bar coming to life deep in the belly of the Japanese-leaning venue from Andrew McConnell.

Coinciding with Melbourne's mad month of comedy shows and other events, the no-bookings Bar Paradox is a more casual (and affordable) way to squeeze in a few drinks and snacks around a gig.

But there's been no skimping on the offer. Hidden below ground, in Supernormal's wood-panelled basement space that has been a karaoke room and private events area, the temporary bar (open April 11-24) is headlined by Orlando Marzo, a globally recognised Melbourne bartender.

He's serving five cocktails, ranging from a cherry and cacao Manhattan featuring solera rye whisky to the Paradox Bramble, featuring blackcurrant gin, makrut and strawberry gum.

From the kitchen are platters of raw sea bream and tuna from NSW's South Coast, served with yuzu kosho, plus oysters, pork katsu rolls and, for bigger budgets, oscietra caviar with accompaniments like chicken skin, creme fraiche and bao-like blini.

The menu runs to just eight dishes and, apart from the caviar, nothing is over $45.

"We've always wanted to create a drinking experience that could complement dining upstairs or be peppered in between some laughs at a show," says Andrew McConnell of Trader House restaurants, owner of Supernormal.

From 5pm each night, April 11-24 at Supernormal, 180 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, supernormal.net.au