WE DO EVENTS | MORE INFO

INSIDE THE VALIANT

Our Star Players

Let us take you behind the scenes to meet the incredible individuals who bring The Valiant to life every day. From our visionary leaders to the passionate team members who craft every detail, get to know the faces and stories that make our venue truly special.

Discover the heart and soul of The Valiant through the stories of Simon, Elliot, and Florian. Each brings a unique blend of creativity, expertise, and passion to the table, ensuring that every visit to The Valiant is nothing short of extraordinary.

 

Whether it’s Simon’s innovative vision, Elliot’s seamless management, or Florian’s culinary artistry, these are the people who make The Valiant more than just a destination—they make it an experience to remember.

 

Get to know the team that turns every night into something special.

Simon Kouba: The Visionary Behind The Valiant’s Golden Glow

Simon Kouba, the visionary force behind Flour Child in St Kilda, is now turning his attention to an exciting new chapter with The Valiant, a project that promises to redefine Melbourne’s nightlife.

 

With a proven track record of success in the hospitality industry, Simon has built a reputation for his ability to create unique, unforgettable experiences that captivate guests from the moment they walk through the door.

 

Simon’s passion for innovation and excellence is evident in every venture he undertakes, and The Valiant is no exception. Drawing inspiration from his extensive experience, he has meticulously crafted a concept that stands out in Melbourne’s bustling bar scene.

 

Central to The Valiant’s identity is the stunning installation of golden disco balls, which Simon personally envisioned as a dazzling focal point that marries the venue’s chic ambiance with a playful, glamorous edge. This distinctive feature not only sets The Valiant apart from other cocktail bars but also creates a truly immersive environment where guests can escape and indulge.

 

Under Simon’s leadership, every detail of The Valiant, from the bespoke cocktail menu to the carefully curated music, has been designed to reflect the high standards and creativity that have become synonymous with his name.

 

His commitment to quality ensures that The Valiant isn’t just a bar—it’s an experience, destined to become a hidden gem in Melbourne’s nightlife, where elegance meets excitement in a setting unlike any other.

Come for the cocktails, stay for the disco balls, & leave with a story.

Elliot Dew: Mastering the Art of Hospitality

Elliot Dew, at 32 years old, is the dynamic venue manager of The Valiant, having
navigated a rich and diverse career path in hospitality.

 

His journey began post-university in 2010, initially diving into the culinary world in Christchurch, New Zealand, with a foundational course in cooking. This led to a pivotal two-week work placement at Cooking with Gas, a gastro pub with a fine dining edge, where Elliot quickly ascended to sous chef within 13 months. Seeking a broader culinary perspective, he transitioned to the Commodore Hotel in Christchurch, only to discover his true calling in bartending, a shift prompted by an unexpected staffing shortage at a friend’s bar.

 

Elliot’s adaptability and passion for hospitality took him from Christchurch to Brisbane and eventually to Melbourne, where he joined the Left Bank Melbourne team. His journey through various roles, from bartender to manager and then exploring further avenues as a barista and back in the kitchen, reflects a relentless pursuit of knowledge and experience. This path led him to Simon, who offered him a managerial position at Henry and the Fox, and later, the role of bar manager at Flour Child.

 

Now, as the venue manager of The Valiant, Elliot ensures the venue operates seamlessly, embodying perfection in every detail. He thrives in The Valiant’s sophisticated and vibrant environment, orchestrating a tight-knit team that moves in rhythm to create unforgettable experiences for customers. Elliot’s philosophy centers around providing the perfect setting for guest.

 

With his extensive background and unwavering dedication, Elliot Dew is poised to lead The Valiant to new heights, solidifying its reputation as Melbourne’s premier hidden cocktail bar.

Anything that is easy, is not worth it...

Welcome to The Valiant, where sophistication meets intrigue.

Our story is one of mystery and magic, where every visit feels like uncovering a hidden treasure.

 

At The Valiant, we believe that the best things in life are worth the search. Every cocktail here is an adventure, crafted with precision and passion to take you on a sensory journey. Our à la carte menu? It’s filled with fresh, inventive dishes that promise to surprise and delight.

 

We’ve poured our hearts into creating Melbourne’s most elusive cocktail bar. Our pièce de résistance is Mona, a mesmerizing artwork by the brilliant Melbourne artist Danielle. Her enigmatic presence encapsulates the spirit of The Valiant – bold, mysterious, and irresistibly captivating.

 

Step into a world where every corner whispers a secret and every moment is a chance to create your own story.

 

Ready to dive in? The adventure awaits, if you can find us…