Arbory Afloat's Spanish-themed return for 2022 - and what's on the menu at the Melbourne bar

Melbourne's harbinger of warmer weather, Arbory Afloat, drops anchor in the Yarra next week and this year's look is inspired by Spain's Balearic Islands, home to party capital Ibiza and its own brand of house music.

So, what does that mean on the plate? The pontoon bar's menu will be a little more freewheeling, with dishes from Valencia, Basque country and Catalonia. Call it pan-Spanish, if you will.

Seafood is a focus, whether it's baccalao (salt cod) fritters or the Galician staple of grilled octopus partnered with potato and paprika. Spain's high quality conservas (tinned seafood) are showcased on a seafood platter of garfish, razor clams and more, sourced from Real Conservera Espanola.

"Few countries equal Spain when it comes to home-grown produce and varied ingredients," says culinary director Nick Bennett, adding that the brief this year is to keep it simple.

Paella is cooked in the thinner Valencian style, which Bennett says produces a sticky top and extra crisp base. It's served for two with whole rock lobster, but there are plans to offer lunch specials with the more traditional rabbit and chicken.

Chargrilled eggplant, peppers and shallot dressed with sherry vinegar and olive oil – a common side dish known as escalivada – will make a happy partner to lamb rump or a spread of tapas.

These will be changed regularly by executive chef James Gibson, but on the opening menu he's most excited about a bite of apricot, anchovy, olive and runny torta del casar cheese. Keep an eye out for savoury churros too, enriched with manchego cheese, and baked scallops with parsley crumb and jamon.

This is the seventh year of Arbory Afloat, with previous themes including Miami, Amalfi Coast and Turkish Riviera.

Arbory Afloat opens September 21 at 4pm

Yarra River, Flinders Walk, Melbourne, 03 9629 1547, arboryafloat.com.au