Baby Driver x Berbeo Grill: Jazz Meets Fire

Martini chats with a hospo visionary

First things first: this is not the Baby Driver you’re thinking of. No car chases, no high‑octane heists, no Ansel‑Elgort‑with-sunnies moment. This Baby Driver is Melbourne’s take on cool — a hidden CBD gem that hums to its own soundtrack — ‘70s jazz, deep funk, vinyl grooves, cocktails, and plenty of good times.

The stylish sibling of Beneath Driver Lane, Baby Driver sits proudly on Driver Lane with an identity all its own. Candlelight softens the space, vinyl records stack the walls, and live jazz swirls around the room. It’s the kind of bar you step into for one martini and somehow end up staying for the whole set.

And right now, there’s even more reason to linger: a three‑month residency and kitchen takeover with Berbeo Bar & Grill, led by Colombian chef Juan Berbeo.

Martini Chats With A Hospo Visionary

Roslyn sharing a lively conversation with Hamish Goonetilleke, founder of Baby Driver & Beneath Driver Lane in Melbourne

The evening began with a welcome from Baby Driver’s founder, hospitality visionary Hamish Goonetilleke. Within minutes, a martini appeared in front of me —  Slow Boat to China

Here’s the thing: I’ve always had a soft spot for Never Never Oyster Shell Gin. But at Baby Driver, they’ve chosen Hickson House Oyster Shell Gin, and I’ll happily admit — it’s an incredible choice. Clean, savoury, with a gentle oceanic depth that carried beautifully through the drink.

Kim Ong, who joined me for dinner, described it perfectly:

“Took the Slow Boat to China last night. The mix of Hickson House Oyster Shell Gin, savoury liqueur and vermouth was a journey in itself… smooth sailing with a few delicious surprises along the way.”

Between martini sips, Hamish shared stories — the rollercoaster highs of opening venues and the resilience it takes to ride the lows. From the cult success of Beneath Driver Lane to the creative energy of Baby Driver, his career reads like a love letter to Melbourne nightlife.

Colombian Fire Meets Melbourne Funk

That night, the kitchen lit up under the hands of Chef Juan Berbeo from Docklands’ Berbeo Bar & Grill. Meeting him felt like meeting an old friend — warm, animated, and with a passion for grilling that beams from his whole being.

The menu told its own story. First came empanadas: one filled with savoury Wagyu beef, another with cheese and sweetcorn. Golden pastry shattered into flavourful, comforting fillings. Then a plate of green plantain fritters with guacamole, salsa and grilled corn — playful and authentic, the ideal bridge between Melbourne and Bogotá.

For mains, Kim savoured the Sher Wagyu inside skirt steak, smoky and deeply charred while luxuriously tender. I went for the pork cutlet on the bone, juicy and lightly blistered by the fire, paired with potatoes and salad that grounded the cut in simple freshness. 

Dessert brought a leche asada caramel flan, silken and subtle, topped with crunchy cookie crumble and a tangy berry coulis. Another Slow Boat to China martini sealed it perfectly — elegant, balanced, and indulgent in the best way.

The Man Behind the Grill: Chef Juan Berbeo Kitchen Takeover at Baby Driver

Roslyn and Kim Ong crashing Chef Juan Berbeo's kitchen takeover during his residency at Baby Driver

We left the table completely satisfied — so much so that I was still full the next morning. Huge thanks to Chef Juan for cooking up a feast that lingers long after the night ends. Just as if the universe wanted to remind me of his magic, the next day my Instagram feed served up this Foodporn reel of Juan roasting a whole pig. Watch the reel here.

The Pulse of Melbourne’s Nightlife: Baby Driver Is More Than a Bar

Residencies and kitchen takeovers like these keep Baby Driver constantly evolving. Hamish’s vision invites chefs and collaborators to transform the menu while the bar’s distinct blend of music, cocktails and atmosphere stays true. For diners, each new residency offers a fresh reason to visit, discover, and fall in love again with Melbourne’s vibrant nightlife culture.

Don’t Wait — This Residency Runs On Borrowed Time

With only weeks left of Chef Juan Berbeo’s residency at Baby Driver, now is the perfect moment to book in. Bring a friend, order a martini, let the live jazz guide you, and indulge in Juan’s heart‑and‑soul cooking before the next chapter unfolds.

Baby Driver, Melbourne City

Disclaimer: This was an invited experience attended by Roslyn Foo and Kim Ong in August 2025, courtesy of Hamish Goonetilleke and Juan Berbeo. As per Glamorazzi’s editorial policy, our reviews remain honest and independent

More from Glamorazzi

Wakayama-Umeshu

Wakayama Umeshu: Nine Expressions of the Japanese Heritage Plum Wine

Nine expressions of Wakayama Umeshu arrived in Melbourne, bringing Japan’s plum wine heritage and innovation to an intimate tasting.
dreamskape-dreamrace-docklands-hero-(1)

Dreamrace at Dreamskape Digital Themepark now has the wild Hurricane 360

I went in for a quick VR fix and left wired. Hurricane 360 felt like a NASA sim, Dreamride flipped into a horror plot, the game rooms had us crawling and laughing, and Dream Coaster sealed it. Dreamrace...
Work txt

Two Melbourne Fringe Shows You Shouldn’t Miss - instructions & work.txt

British collective SUBJECT OBJECT brings two must-see works to Melbourne Fringe. instructions and work.txt break the rules of theatre - unscripted, immersive and alive with risk. Experience performances...
My Awesome Cafe A Taste of Heritage in Singapore's Telok Ayer

My Awesome Cafe: A Taste of Heritage in Singapore's Telok Ayer

Step aboard Melbourne's groundbreaking Titanic VR experience at 206 Bourke Street. Discover an immersive historical journey through virtual reality that brings the legendary story to life. Perfect for...
Mooncakes-in-Melbourne-2

Best Mooncakes in Melbourne for Mid-Autumn Festival 2025

Our guide to different kinds of mooncakes you can taste and where to buy in Melbourne. Plus tips to enjoy the rich culture of Mid-Autumn Festival 2025

You May Also Like

Lyrebird premiere
A Forest’s Echo: The Message of the Lyrebird Stays With You
Work txt
Two Melbourne Fringe Shows You Shouldn’t Miss - instructions & work.txt
Mooncakes-in-Melbourne-2
Best Mooncakes in Melbourne for Mid-Autumn Festival 2025
Wakayama-Umeshu
Wakayama Umeshu: Nine Expressions of the Japanese Heritage Plum Wine
dreamskape-dreamrace-docklands-hero-(1)
Dreamrace at Dreamskape Digital Themepark now has the wild Hurricane 360
CHerryHill (1)
The CherryHill Blossom Festival Turns Cherry Field into Fairytale Land
MSC Othello - Photography by Elena Ruefenacht
Othello - A Classic Shakespeare Tragedy Reimagined at fortyfivedownstairs
An Italian Summer in Carlton
An Italian Summer in Carlton: Pasta Heaven at Ms. Frankie’s Masterclass

Videos

GLAMORAZZI GUIDES - CURATED WITH JOY (COMING SOON!)

BEST MUSICALS OF ALL TIME
BEST ASIAN RESTAURANTS IN MELBOURNE
BEST FRENCH RESTAURANTS IN MELBOURNE
BEST RESTAURANTS TO EAT SPICY FOOD IN MELBOURNE
BEST COFFEE IN MELBOURNE
BEST WINE BARS IN MELBOURNE
BEST WINERIES IN ADELAIDE

More from Glamorazzi

Lyrebird premiere

A Forest’s Echo: The Message of the Lyrebird Stays With You

Discover The Message of the Lyrebird, an award-winning environmental documentary echoing the sounds of human impact and inspiring conservation action.
Work txt

Two Melbourne Fringe Shows You Shouldn’t Miss - instructions & work.txt

British collective SUBJECT OBJECT brings two must-see works to Melbourne Fringe. instructions and work.txt break the rules of theatre - unscripted, immersive and alive with risk. Experience performances...
Mooncakes-in-Melbourne-2

Best Mooncakes in Melbourne for Mid-Autumn Festival 2025

Our guide to different kinds of mooncakes you can taste and where to buy in Melbourne. Plus tips to enjoy the rich culture of Mid-Autumn Festival 2025
Wakayama-Umeshu

Wakayama Umeshu: Nine Expressions of the Japanese Heritage Plum Wine

Nine expressions of Wakayama Umeshu arrived in Melbourne, bringing Japan’s plum wine heritage and innovation to an intimate tasting.
dreamskape-dreamrace-docklands-hero-(1)

Dreamrace at Dreamskape Digital Themepark now has the wild Hurricane 360

I went in for a quick VR fix and left wired. Hurricane 360 felt like a NASA sim, Dreamride flipped into a horror plot, the game rooms had us crawling and laughing, and Dream Coaster sealed it. Dreamrace...