Making the most of its urban landscape is something that Melbourne is famous for and Section 8 Container Bar is no exception. As the name suggests, the bar itself is comprised of a couple of old shipping containers. But there's a whole lot more to it than that. As you order your drink from the nice bartender in the shipping container and take some time to contemplate the improvised surroundings, which somehow come together in perfect harmony, you can't help thinking, 'it could only happen in Melbourne.' This is makeshift chic at its finest.

Nestled in an old car park in Chinatown, the atmosphere is gritty and seating is made up of recycled shipping pallets and milk crates. Curling green vines and Chinese lanterns add a decorative touch and a few cushions are thrown here or there to soften up the edges.

Section 8 is never dull or quiet, with people flocking straight from Chinatown’s numerous restaurants to wash down their plate of cheap dumplings with a cleanser from the unpretentious selection of local and international beer, wines and spirits, and some deliciously pretentious cocktails for the extravagent at heart.

If the open-air element concerns you with Melbourne’s long, pesky winter creeping in, never fear! They have heaters a-plenty and mulled wine to keep your insides nice and snug. Besides, it’s probably healthy to crawl out of the dark corners and dimly lit bars we hibernate in to get some fresh air every once in a while.

The popularity of Section 8 could be attributed to the public’s support of recycling and environmental sustainability but something tells me it’s more to do with the fact that Melburnians love their alleyway bars, and they like a good crate to sit on too.