Rue Bebelons

Rue Bebelons - A Little Street Named Lonsdale

In French, Rue Bebelons is a direct translation of Little Lonsdale Street, and this is exactly where you will find the micro-café/bar which has been a firm Melbourne favourite. But don’t be fooled by the name. Owner Kash Rana is Nepalese, not French. Rue Bebelons has been open for 13 years and back then, Kash was one of the staff. When the previous owner decided nightlife didn’t do it for him anymore, Kash took over and has been running the popular joint ever since.

In one word, Rue Bebelons is tiny. And it could just be this coziness that draws a crowd so tight, that from the outside it looks like a can of human sardines. If you do manage to squeeze in for drinks, you will soon discover Rue Bebelons unique personality and the secret of its appeal.

Quaint decor greets you the moment you enter the doorway and the walls are lined with vintage posters from foreign lands. Further in lies a Burmese statue of a Hindu God Kash brought back from his homeland and a painting called “The Third Eye” also from Nepal. Setting the mood is the scratchy sound of olden day blues and jazz spiced up with a bit of funky reggae. Nepalese barman Bhale says that Kash likes to mix it around a little and the old vinyl collection is continually growing.

Not only is the crowd eclectic, but the staff also come from different backgrounds - Aussie, Belgian, Nepalese - making each drink order a pretty unique experience in itself. Rue Bebelons attracts a younger alternative crowd and the place is constantly buzzing with the sounds of people having a good time. A cool place to check out if you’re lucky enough to nab a spot.