Arbory Afloat returns mid-September with a Miami menu, rum and a pool

Arbory Afloat, the gigantic floating barge that takes up residence alongside Flinders Street Station in the warmer months, is returning for its longest residence from mid-September.

Undaunted by the often-mocked waters in which it sits and Melbourne's famously inclement weather, this year Arbory Afloat is going for broke with an especially summery Miami theme, replete with cabanas, palm trees and a swimming pool. A Latin American menu will replace last year's Italian offering to reflect the stars of Miami's diverse dining scene.

For food being entirely prepped in temporary kitchens on a boat, Arbory's dishes in former years proved surprisingly successful. Can they pull it off again churning out a whole raw bar of oysters, ceviche and tuna tiradito (sashimi) with mango, plus a range of short rib tacos, cubanos, Miami club sandwiches and Portuguese chicken? They are also reviving some of their signatures, including wood-fired pizzas, the lobster pasta for two or four, seafood towers, and antipasti boards.

The drink offering is shifting focus from Aperol spritz to rum drinks, served at speed from taps. Gin will still be a focus and you can also order bottles of champagne so you can pretend, despite Melbourne's best efforts, we truly are a sexy, sun-kissed town.

Arbory Afloat returns mid-September, 1 Flinders Walk. Bookings arboryafloat.com.au.