Renard (French, Re•Nar — ‘Fox’) started as an affectionate tongue-in-cheek reference to the beloved nightclub — The Faux Social Club — which was often mispronounced by punters as ‘The Fox Social Club.’
The venue boasts a selection of independent spirits, Australian and French minimal intervention wines, with an ever-changing seasonal food and cocktails list. Proudly independently owned and operated by Ballarat brothers Teddy & Louis, at its heart, the venue is a social club – a spot to meet with friends.
Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.
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The beverage menu features seasonal cocktails that highlight Australian spirits and native ingredients – including the most popular cocktail, the ‘Fox Sociale’, is a Davidson Plum Gin Sour with pomegranate and a macerated rhubarb gin (there has been over 20,000 of these sold since the doors opened).
Renard also offer a selection of signature serves, such as their collaborative macerated pink gin & tonic called the ‘Gin De Soif!’ – this spirit is made in collaboration with a local gin distillery, and is served with fresh strawberries and Mediterranean tonic. As well as their twists on classics such as The Outback Negroni which is a lighter, brighter negroni showcasing all Australian ingredients.
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The drinks on offer also feature a mixed bag of wines – both Australian and French with a large range of skin contact / orange wines. Word has it they also run a pretty quintessential beer list as well to boot, with a lot of punters opting to drink Melbourne Longnecks. To owner Louis, it’s always been a kind of funny thing to have available when you match it up with the rest of their offerings.
A few favourite food items include the Meredith Goats Cheese donuts with honey and ricotta salata, as well as the 250g Porterhouse Steak Frites with red wine jus. There is an abundance of snack options for pre and post dinner, as well as some great larger options. Renard offers modern bistro-style dishes alongside great cocktails, wines, and good times. Priding themselves on being seen as a COCKTAIL BAR + BISTRO-THEQUE. Their aim is to create and serve drinks that bridge the gap between accessibility and intrigue.
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Hosting monthly late night events, and partnering with Aus brands to showcase a spirit they love, with the DJs playing tunes. The team are also quite proud of their tune selection – think lots of neo-soul, jazz, funk, dub, moving into garage, drum and bass etc – if the mood fits, they have the hits. The vibes can vary pretty dramatically – it can be a chill spot with friends, casual drinks by one of the fireplaces, a great spot for date night, and is even perfect for groups and stand up functions.
Oh and did I also mention they are licensed until 3AM, making it one of the last places open (outside of clubs) slinging delicious cocktails. ALWAYS LATE, ALWAYS GREAT.
209 Mair Street, Ballarat Central 3350
Wednesday – Thursday 4pm – Late, Friday – Sunday 2pm – Late.
Head to Renard Ballarat here to find out more.
