Lickety Split was born in 2016, right when Footscray needed its own slice of outdoor cool.
“My husband, our two business partners and I had already opened Back Alley Sally’s, Slice Girls West and Harry and Larry’s General Store to the West,” explains Jo, one of the powerhouses steering this multiple-destination venue. “Then the site adjacent became available – a sprawling outdoor space and a warehouse. While on holiday in Bali, over a bottle of gin, we decided to open Lickety Split!”
“We had originally worked hard and had approved planning to open a rooftop bar on top of Back Alley Sally’s – yet we discovered that given the age of the building it wasn’t going to be an easy task to say the least. So instead we morphed our ideas to create our outdoor bar right next door. And the warehouse became The Line, a blank canvas event venue that has since seen a broad variety of markets, weddings and more.”
Nestled amidst Footscray’s river precinct, Lickety Split isn’t your average drinking hole. “We’ve got this beautiful hidden oasis amidst a growing number of highrise buildings in Footscray. It’s like being able to pop out to the backyard that you don’t have when you’re in an apartment,” she says.
The site rocks repurposed vibes like a champ. Shipping containers have been transformed into rooms and areas of use. Quirky doors and workbenches are now tables (complete with intact doorknobs). Sprinkle in some eclectic, mismatched furniture and it’s sustainability and style, all in one.
The sprawling location has a fluid vibe to it that defies expectations and offers a day-to-night experience. You could grab a coffee from Harry and Larry’s and drink it sitting in the sun at Lickety Split, check out your market hauls from The Line over a Slice Girls pizza and glass of wine. Then as the sun sets, climb the stairs for trivia and killer cocktails at the dimly lit Back Alley Sally’s.
If you are settling down for a session at Lickety Split, Jo recommends the frozen margaritas that scream summer vibes and a banging cheeseburger that’s anything but boring (and perfect with a cold pint).
With Back Alley Sally’s, Harry & Larry’s, Slice Girls West, Lickety Split and The Line—Jo’s got the whole squad lined up. It’s like a hospitality Avengers team, way out west.
And trust us, it’s cracking out here.
