the largest drinking hall and beer garden in melbourne’s west
We know that Melbourne’s west has an abundance of great food spots. We also know that abandoned industry spaces only mean a world of potential for new ventures this side of town.
Located in a vacant parking lot and former car yard on busy Mt Alexander Rd in Ascot Vale, The Ascot Lot is a food truck precinct full of life.
Just under 3 years ago, David Bartl, Jacob Bettio and Lachlan Taylor converted the abandoned car yard into an urban oasis from 100% recycled materials.
“The idea came to us driving past the large block up for lease” says David Bartl.
“We had experience operating a Food Truck (Mr. Whippy) prior, and thought the space would be perfect for Food Trucks to park within alongside some bars.”
It was from there that The Lot sprung to life and after months of hard work it began to evolve. The team have worked to keep up with crowds by expanding with an outdoor sheltered Garden Bar installed as well as courtyard, a continuation of the Indoor Drinking Hall.
endless Food and drink
Having joined the growing trend of Melbourne food truck parks in 2017, it was (and still is) an instant favourite and stand out alongside Welcome to Thornbury and Preston Food Truck Park.
As well as a nicely stocked bar (craft beer, cocktails, boutique wine and Sofi Spritz on tap!), The Lot also features a weekly rotation of mobile food trucks.
Melbourne favourites include Taste of Cyprus, Two Fat Indians, Pop Up Smokehouse, Nicolosi Pizzeria, Kilted Haggis and many more.
what’s on at the lot
Ample amounts of space with both indoor and outdoor seating areas makes this the perfect spot for an afternoon session or group night out.
“Our events draw in thousands on any given day with Gnocchi Festival and Pooches & Prosecco our most popular events to-date” says David.
Regular public events include Friday Night Trivia, Vegan Nights MEL and Drag Bingo certainly drawing both locals as well as visitors from the city.
Other day-long fun foodie events have included Ice Cream Fest, Goon & Nugz, Gnocchi Festival and Pups & Pinot.
There’s no shortage on entertainment promising a memorable time at The Lot.
a classic Melbourne experience
Cosy booths, live local acts, shaken espresso martinis (at just $10 a pop) and Melbourne’s favourite street food every Friday to Sunday.
The Ascot Lot is a destination all Melbournians must experience.
Did we mention that it’s dog friendly?
Another welcome bonus is that almost everything at The Lot has been recycled or up-cycled. From the timber stools to the bricks that form the indoor bar. The large booths are even built from 100 year old red-brick and handcrafted Oregon seating.
what’s ahead for The Ascot Lot
David has assured us, “We are constantly thinking up new and fun event ideas with plenty of unique and original events to be held this year as well as the return of our most popular events.”
The largest Beer Garden in the north-west of Melbourne is also set to become more impressive with greenery, plants and sheltered arbours to be installed in the coming months.
This will make our visits to The Lot less weather dependent, so we can enjoy the good vibes any weekend of the year.
The Ascot Lot
448-466 Mount Alexander Rd, Ascot Vale
Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Website: theascotlot.com
Getting there:
TRAIN LINE – Craigieburn – stop Ascot Vale
TRAM LINE #59 – get off stop 29 Warrick St/Mt Alexander Rd – walk 80m