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Lunch, post-work drinks and late-night hangs are sorted with the freshly minted, disco-centric bar and social club Renard.
It’s no secret Ballarat is full of exceptional places to eat, drink and hang. Arguably some of the finest would be owned and/or operated by the dynamic duo Teddy and Louis Powlett – the brothers behind Moon and Mountain, Winner Winner and Ragazzone. And now, their latest venture Renard is ready for your lovin’.
Headed up by youngest brother Louis, Renard has a fresh, modern feel as soon as you walk in the doors. A glistening art deco interior with emerald green and stone touches instantly makes you feel at home, while also offering the promise of a decadent night to remember.
Indeed, with cocktails and contemporary bistro-style dishes such as these, you won’t soon forget your dining or drinking experience. Seasonal and native produce features in each drink, which Louis hopes will “bridge the gap between accessible and intrigue.” Wines, meanwhile, have been carefully chosen from across the country to give punters a Melbourne-quality selection with an emphasis on natural winemaking processes.
As for the food, expect to see small but mighty bites such as BBQ MB5 wagyu with foraged mushrooms and sauce bordelaise, Meredith Goat’s Cheese doughnuts made with choux pastry and truffled native honey, and charcuterie boards fit for a king. Everything is prepared on-site, with minimal waste and environmentally conscious practices.
Renard is housed in the former Faux Social Club, which Ballarat locals will remember as one of the coolest places to spend your night and also run by the Powlett’s. The brothers decided it was time for a change during the pandemic and got cracking on extensive renovations. A couple of good things have been preserved in the reno’s, however.
“People used to mispronounce the Faux Social Club as the “Fox” Social Club. It became a bit of a tongue-in-cheek in-joke for all of us, calling it the Fox Social Club. Renard in French means “fox”, so when we did the change, we thought we’d better keep a hint of the old in the new,” Louis explains.
We reckon they’ve got the balance spot on. Renard is open now.
THE DETAILS
WHAT: Renard Bar and Social Club
WHERE: 209 Mair St, Ballarat
WHEN: Open Wednesdays — Sundays from midday onwards.
MORE INFO: Renard