MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – 1st August 2025 - Science meets sensation in a collaboration set to electrify Melbourne's cocktail scene. Hidden beneath W Melbourne, the enigmatic cocktail lounge Curious joins forces with internationally renowned drinks alchemist Matt Whiley to unveil Curious Matter - a daring new menu that blurs the lines between mixology and science.

Inspired by the fundamental states of matter - solid, liquid, gas, and vapour - plus an elusive fifth state: curiosity, this immersive experience goes far beyond the glass. Expect multisensory theatrics, distinct flavours, contrasting textures, and dramatic service rituals. Classic cocktails are reimagined through a scientific lens, inviting guests to not only taste, but also see, feel, smell, and listen.  

These creations push the boundaries of flavour and form. Take the Quantum Silk - a cocktail that begins with the lick of an electrified lime leaf, igniting a tingling sensation that evolves the taste of the drink the longer you sip.

For a dose of mischief, the Wizz Fizz is delivered with a detonated garnish, set alight at the table to unveil a peach aroma that enhances the cocktail's stone fruit flavours.  On Cloud Nine has been reimagined as a mojito you can eat: white rum, mint, and lime whipped into a delicate, edible cloud that melts on the tongue. Meanwhile, Surface Tension is a cocktail served beneath a veil of rain-scented fog - it's less a drink and more a memory you can taste.

When looking for a partner for this ambitious new menu, the Curious team tapped one of the most innovative bartenders the country has to offer. Globally recognised for his boundary-pushing approach to mixology, Matt Whiley is far more than a bartender. He's an innovator, sustainability pioneer and above all, a storyteller.

With a background rooted in experimentation and a deep understanding of ingredients, Matt has carved a unique space for himself in the global drinks scene, from founding World's 50 Best Bars Scout in London and Re in Sydney, to his consulting and collaborating in top bars around the world. Across continents, he doesn't just develop cocktails, he builds experiences around them, often using foraged, fermented, and repurposed elements that others might overlook.

Bartender Matt Whiley says, “The initial inspiration for this menu came from the space itself, Curious as a venue ignites excitement and intrigue the moment you enter it. I had been playing with the idea of creating a science-based cocktail menu for a while as I have always found inspiration in the different states of matter, and upon stepping into Curious I knew it was the perfect venue to bring the vision to life.”

Inspired by the city's spirit of creativity, Curious brings the W Melbourne ethos to life with unexpected flavour combinations, with the Curious Matter menu being the next evolution. A step through a hidden entrance, the underground space reveals an atmosphere charged by live music programming, inventive cocktails and a menu of small bites and sharing plates for an all-night experience.

General Manager at W Melbourne and Marriott Multi-Property Vice President, Luxury Hotels Australia Krister Svensson says, “at W Melbourne we pride ourselves with working with the best innovators out there, and Matt Whiley is no exception. His Curious Matter menu is a sensory exploration of scientific discovery and through each cocktail, you delve a little bit deeper into this. It is a journey to be savoured, and we cannot wait for the people of Melbourne to try it.”

The Curious Matter menu will be available daily from Thursday 31 July. Curious is open from 5pm - late, Tuesday through Saturday and bookings can be made at www.curiousmelbourne.com.

Curious Matter Menu

Plasma: Quantum Silk

Transporting you to Chinatown, this silky number begins with a tingle. A savoury twist on a daiquiri, it starts with a citrus snap, then surprises with a silky bok choy lime syrup and a hit of coriander oil. It's fresh, punchy and packed with flavour, like an electric party on your tongue.

Gas: Wizz Fizz 

Fizzy, aromatic and just a little bit magical. This bubbly blend of tequila, Campari, guava leaf, rosella and peach kombucha comes with a helium balloon that lifts your spirits - literally. Warning: may cause delight and dizziness!

Non-alcoholic version available.

Gas: Aeon Drift

A salty, savoury twist on a martini, with a salted vanilla air that melts as it hits your tongue. Rum and koji banana sherry meet salty coconut and olive brine, before the salted vanilla air melts away. It's briny, smooth and just a little bit wicked.

Vapor: Pyro-Flora

Earthy, smoky and just a little bit wild, this cocktail is like a walk through the Aussie bush. Smoked vodka and burnt pear meet bright passionfruit and native lemon myrtle, lifted by strawberry gum soda. Served in a bowl of smoked leaves, it is fresh, aromatic and full of native flair.

 Vapor: Surface Tension

A collision of worlds captured under a rain-scented fog. Bright, crisp and herbaceous, this cocktail weaves global botanicals with a cool cucumber freshness. The misty fog evokes that first breath after rain - clean, nostalgic and a little bit magical.

Solid: Red Earth

A desert-inspired margarita. Bright, zesty and just a little bit earthy, with honey pearls that burst on your tongue like honey ants in the outback. Fresh, unexpected and seriously fun.

Liquid: Cryocone

Boozy ice cream, made to order with liquid nitrogen. Rich bourbon, smoky bacon vodka and maple raisin get churned into creamy perfection right before your eyes. Served in a cone for extra indulgence.

Solid: Tropical Sand Storm

Australian summer in a crystalline form. Bright, tropical flavours of banana, coconut and pineapple come together while an edible sand rim adds a playful crunch. This cocktail tastes like the feeling of sipping cocktails barefoot on a sun-soaked beach.

Curiosity: On Cloud Nine

A mojito you can eat - white rum, mint and lime whipped into a fluffy, ethereal cloud. Light, refreshing and fun to savour in every bite. Served on a spoon as an edible cloud.

Gas: Curious Matcha

A light, bright and oh-so-dreamy sparkling tropical mix is topped with a floaty cloud of whipped matcha. Refreshing and vibrant, this is matcha like you have never had it before.

Non-alcoholic version available.

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact:

shannon.hudson@themintpartners.com.au

About Curious

A bold subterranean bar experience featuring award-winning architecture. Discover show-stopping, creative cocktails and a curated menu of small bites and share plates. Featuring a weekly line-up of live music from local and international talent with vinyl nights, live vocals, sax, DJs and more.

Open Tuesday to Sunday nights, for ages 18 and above only, with bookings recommended on the weekends.

About W Hotels

Born from the social electricity of New York City, W Hotels has been at the forefront of lifestyle hospitality for over two decades. With over 70 destinations around the world, the detail-driven design, signature Whatever/Whenever service, and buzzing Living Rooms cultivate experiences of social connectivity. Each location brings together the magnetic energy of W Hotels and the essence of local culture, creating spaces for new perspectives and a freedom of self-expression. W Hotels is currently undergoing a multi-year brand evolution, to meet the needs of today's guest and deliver a new generation of luxury lifestyle experiences. For more information on W Hotels, visit w-hotels.com and stay connected on Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook, and YouTube. W Hotels is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enrol for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.