The Best Bars For After-Work Drinks In Fairfield

Finding the perfect spot to unwind after a long day at work can be a challenge, but Fairfield boasts a vibrant selection of bars that cater to all tastes. Whether you’re looking for a cozy pub to catch up with colleagues, a trendy cocktail lounge to sip artisanal drinks, or a lively sports bar to celebrate the end of a successful week, Fairfield’s bar scene has something for everyone.

Looking for the perfect place to unwind after a long day? Here are some of the best bars in Fairfield for after-work drinks, where you can relax, recharge, and enjoy the company of friends and coworkers in style.

Oak & Young Wine Shop

Are you hoping to unwind with a bottle of Merlot in the comfort of your own home? You’re sure to find something perfect at Oak & Young Wine Shop, a store that was established by two siblings along Station Street. Andrew and Matty are devoted to crafting exceptional wines sourced from small producers who work in harmony with the land.

Their innovative refillable bottle program lies at the heart of their mission, featuring 20 rotating wines on tap. This program not only promotes sustainability but also offers a delightful way to explore new wines without contributing to waste. Each wine is small-batch, annually harvested, vegan, and curated from skilled winemakers worldwide, ensuring a diverse and high-quality selection.

The mantra at Oak & Young Wine Shop is “Bring me back. Fill me up. Take me home” and it encapsulates their commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction. This approach allows wine lovers to enjoy premium wines while minimizing environmental impact. Beyond the on-tap offerings, the establishment’s shelves and fridges are stocked with unique bottles, each with a captivating story waiting to be savoured. These selections are carefully chosen to provide an exceptional wine experience, reflecting the passion and expertise of winemakers from around the globe.

Andrew and Matty’s dedication to quality and sustainability makes their Fairfield establishment a haven for wine enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a casual drinker, their innovative approach offers an eco-friendly and enjoyable way to discover and appreciate fine wines.

Rocket Wine

Rocket Wine is a slick wine bar and bottle shop in Railway Place that has been warmly welcoming Fairfield locals since 2022. This friendly neighborhood spot caters equally well to those seeking a quick knock-off drink, picking up a bottle of vino from the well-stocked bottle shop, or settling in with a bottle and ordering takeaway from a nearby restaurant.

The focal point of Rocket Wine is its impressive bottle shop, featuring a wall lined with 600 different wines, around 150 spirits—primarily whisky and gin—and 80 craft beers chilling in the fridges. Patrons can choose to take their bottle of wine home or enjoy it on-site with a small corkage fee.

For those who decide to stay and savor their selection, Rocket Wine offers around 30 wines by the glass, served from a Coravin system that allows for pouring without removing the cork, preserving the wine’s freshness. The selection includes notable Australian labels such as WA’s Vallee du Venom and Dormilona, and Edenflo from South Australia, as well as an array of international wines from France, Germany, and Italy. Cocktail enthusiasts can enjoy offerings like a sharp Bloody Shiraz Spritz and a classic Pisco Sour. Additionally, there are a few beers on tap, flights of whisky and agave, and a selection of non-alcoholic drinks.

Complementing the extensive drink menu is a cheese fridge stocked with local delicacies from Maffra Cheese Co, Meredith Dairy, and Milawa Cheese Company. For those seeking something more substantial, Rocket Wine encourages ordering in from nearby Fairfield restaurants and takeaway joints, making it a versatile spot for both casual drinks and leisurely evenings.

Remember Your After-Work Drinks Etiquette

Planning to invite some work friends for drinks for a relaxing way to unwind at the end of the day? Remember these friendly tips when you are out with co-workers.
Limit the Work Talk

Recommending that you use after-work drinks to really engage with your colleagues on a deeper, personal level and refrain from any shop talk is completely unrealistic advice. After all, your jobs are the one thing you all have in common. However, this doesn’t mean you need to limit the conversation strictly to work topics. Instead, use work as a gateway to other subjects.

If you’re the boss, take this opportunity to get to know your direct reports one-on-one. Learn about their hobbies, hometowns, and other details you may not know. Most likely, they’ll appreciate your interest and be happy to share. This approach not only shows you care but also builds a stronger team dynamic based on mutual understanding and respect.

Avoid Work Gossip

Drinking together tends to loosen tongues. With some social lubrication, you may feel like having after-work drinks is the perfect time to tell your coworkers what you really think of your boss or to delve into office gossip.

In the moment, these conversations might feel intimate and exciting. However, the next morning, you may find yourself regretting what was said. Gossip can also damage professional relationships and trust within the team.

It’s important to keep conversations positive and steer clear of negative talk that can lead to uncomfortable situations or misunderstandings later on. Focus on building each other up and discussing topics that are uplifting and constructive.

Make Sure to Set a Time to Leave

For any work-related event, it’s wise to set a reasonable time to leave. You don’t want to be the first or last to exit. Leaving too early might make you seem like a party pooper, while staying too late can paint you as the office wild child. Striking the right balance is key to maintaining a professional yet friendly presence.

Setting a departure time helps you avoid overstaying and potentially finding yourself in awkward or overly familiar situations. It also shows your colleagues that you value the social aspect of work life while still maintaining your professional boundaries. Leaving at a reasonable time allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds – connecting with your colleagues and preserving your professional reputation.

Have Fun After Work

Whether you’re winding down after a long day at the office, celebrating a team success, or simply looking to catch up with colleagues in a relaxed setting, Fairfield offers an impressive array of bars to suit every mood and preference. So, next time you’re in need of a post-work pick-me-up, head to one of Fairfield’s best bars and enjoy a well-deserved drink in great company. Cheers to discovering new favourites and creating lasting memories!