OCEAN 12

Ocean 12 celebrates MELBOURNE’S RICH DIVERSITY

WHETHER IT’S A VAST CHOICE OF GREAT WORLD WHISKIES, CUBAN CIGARS, UNINTERRUPTED VIEWS OF THE CITY SKYLINE OR KARAOKE IN MANDARIN, OCEAN 12 HAS IT ALL. OWNER, JEFF XU DESCRIBES WHAT MAKES OCEAN 12 A ONE-STOP NIGHTLIFE INSTITUTION.

Ocean 12 owner Jeff Xu

TELL US ABOUT OCEAN 12 – WHAT IS THE CONCEPT OF THE VENUE.

The concept behind Ocean 12 is about creating a onestop destination for nightlife, redefining the scene in Melbourne.

From Bar 12 to the KTV rooms and the offering we provide over 300 whiskies and 36 Cuban cigars, the venue is all about bringing a new level of luxury, with an unmistakable playful collision of style, service, drink and frivolity.

HOW DID THE IDEA COME ABOUT AND WHERE DID THE INSPIRATION COME FROM?

With years of experience in hospitality and entertainment, it has always been my philosophy to offer things that are unique to Melbourne’s culture, particularly given the dynamic and multicultural nature of the city.

Thinking about the type of venue I wanted to launch, I wanted to continue to unite the best of Asian and western culture to create a venue that was a true fusion. For instance, in Asian culture, karaoke is all-time favourite and in western culture whisky and cigars are a big part of nightlife and socialising. Combining these two iconic elements of both worlds together has made Ocean 12 a truly inclusive and prolific destination for Melbourne to celebrate its diverse community.

Also catering to this multi-cultural population is our 33 state-of-the-art karaoke room that give guests the option of 140,000 songs in six languages.

CAN WE ASK HAS THE NAME ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE MOVIE?

Initially the name was not related to the movie at all. In fact, the name has ties closer to Melbourne.

For me, when I think of Melbourne, I think about all the tourists that go to visit the 12 Apostles every day. It has been a must-see attraction for a long time, and my hope is that Ocean 12 also becomes a must-visit nightlife destination for tourists and locals alike.

It was then I realised that with the Apostles being in the ocean - and of course there is the movie - that this name could work really well for the venue.

WHAT SHOULD PEOPLE EXPECT ON THEIR FIRST VISIT?

Having access to over 300 whiskies including some of the world’s best and rarest bottles from specially selected single malt distilleries.

Only 20 per cent of Ocean 12’s inventory is available locally so we are able to cater to diverse tastes and introduce Melburnians to whiskies they may not otherwise have an opportunity to try.

We also have a refined cigar lounge that overlooks the Melbourne skyline, offering 36 different varieties and more than 30 private karaoke rooms with state-of-the-art equipment, including 140,000 songs in six languages to choose from. At Ocean 12, there is truly something for everyone. We believe we have fused the best of the city’s nightlife into one exceptional venue

TAKE US THROUGH THE COCKTAIL LIST, AND WHAT GUESTS CAN EXPERIENCE WHILST IN VENUE.

After careful consideration, our cocktail menu is designed to spark the air of excitement that kicks off your evening at Ocean 12.

Playfully named after the 12 infamous characters from the Ocean 12 movie, each cocktail represents each individual journey culminating in the creation and expression of our brand.

Guests can expect anything from a quiet evening over a couple of whiskies and cigars on our terrace overlooking the CBD and Yarra River, to a bustling cocktail bar with classics and modern traditional cocktails, great music and 33 private luxury karaoke rooms.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR OCEAN 12?

We have ensured the experience is built around each guest, with the hope that they will have an unforgettable evening time and time again.

In the short-term future there is no specific plans for Ocean 12 other than wanting to continue providing the best service and offering to Melburnians as we can.