Geelong's favourite Parma(i) paradise finally reopens with a bright and bold new look.
Pub fare doesn’t get much more traditional than a faithful parmigiana covered in Napoli sauce, ham, and plenty of cheese. The parma (or Parmi, whichever you feel is politically correct) is a pub classic that is not often tampered with, however, that’s certainly not the case in Geelong with one particular venue that’s been continuously breaking the rules with their toppings since opening a few years ago, with results that range from the bizarre to the truly terrific.
With a bounty of delicious parmis and a brilliant late-night dessert offering in Sweet Cheeks on the rooftop bar above, the venue was on cloud nine until a fire ripped through the building back in March of 2021.
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Causing serious damage beyond immediate repair to the entire rooftop and other parts of the building, the entire venue was forced to close its doors, ceasing the trade of both businesses indefinitely.
Following the tragedy, Parma Bar has finally reopened to the public, with owners Trent Moreland and Brent Gourley delivering a renewed focus and a bevvy of upgrades to the space, including vibrant new branding, refreshing new dishes and a revitalised atmosphere.
With upgrades to the décor and facilities, Parma Bar’s branding is now bright and pink, bridging the gap between the pub-grub venue and the gram-worthy devoted dessert business on the second floor.
Emulating the striking interior and exterior that gives you the feeling you’ve stepped into a pink-tinged city-oasis, downstairs now boasts barbie pink walls, synthetic grass, picnic tables, velvet chairs, greenery and smaller timber tables, alongside a relaxed summery atmosphere we’ve come to know and love from the venue over the years.
As for the menu, you’ll still find that it’s brilliantly dedicated to mouth-watering parmigiana’s much like its predecessor. You’ll find the classics like traditional, Margherita, Meat Lovers, and Nacho Man, alongside toppings like The Fire In My Pants, The Ringstinger, Load on The Chips (complete with chips, cheese and gravy), to the Carbonara, Avo Smash and the Boss Way, with mash potato. For those that like it simple, there’s the ‘Don’t be a Basic B***H’ plain schnitzel.
That’s not even half of it though. Make sure you suss them out for their full list of mouth-watering creations.
Alongside the Parma’s you’ll also be able to indulge in a number of pancake offerings in this new downstairs pink paradise, which will be operating late at night for those late-night sweet cravings.
This follows the reopening of Sweet Cheeks earlier this year, returning to the region as the go-to place for late-night desserts and delicious cocktails.
Parma Bar will operate from Wednesday through to Sunday, opening from 12pm until late. You can book a table here or call 03 5223 2083. Find it at 71 Yarra St, Geelong.
