Start your outing with something warm. Yamamoto Udon is the perfect choice, bringing authentic Edo Period udon to QV Square, a venue which specialises in the dish. For those who prefer the warmth of Italian, Mondo di Pasta delivers homemade pasta with a considered selection of sauces, catering to gluten free, vegan and vegetarian diners alike. Either way, you leave satisfied and ready for what follows.

Hijinx Hotel is where the afternoon starts to take shape through a series of challenge rooms which become an immersive, collaborative experience set within the theatre of a quirky New York-style hotel. It works equally well for groups, dates, and social occasions. If the energy calls for something more competitive, Archie Brothers is only next door and offers an abundance of arcade games, claw machines, virtual reality, cocktails and food all under one roof.

Worth noting: spend $50 at a participating entertainment venue between 22 June and 12 July and receive a $20 Play & Dine e-gift card.

Prior to dinner, a stroll down Albert Coates Lane is worth the detour. It is home to some of Melbourne’s most considered retail, including the New Balance Grey Store, one of only a handful in the world and the first of its kind in Melbourne. Expect exclusive drops, limited-edition collaborations and premium collections. Browse slowly.

Artemis Lane comes into its own after dark. Thai Town delivers bold, authentic Thai flavours. Order generously and share across the table, pairing dishes with creative cocktails or tropical mocktails designed to hold their own against the spice. Nearby Old Beijing offers a shared dining experience rooted in traditional Chinese cooking, with a drinks menu of imported beers, wines and spirits selected to complement the food.

Dessert is non-negotiable. Homm Desserts on Red Cape Lane is the destination for Thai-inspired sweets; the avalanche bingsu is worth a visit. Yo-Chi, a QV staple, rounds things out with frozen yoghurt and a generous range of toppings. From here, the evening is open with a few options, Booths Karaoke offers private rooms perfect for groups, while iCue provides pool and billiards in a setting that encourages competition.

Accessed via a set of doors marked with the 18th Amendment on Little Lonsdale Street, Father's Office is a 1920s prohibition-era inspired bar with art deco interiors, tin ceilings, period mosaics and custom copper taps. The wrap-around balcony looks out over the State Library. Resident DJs hold court every Friday and Saturday, and happy hour delivers some of the best value drinks in the CBD.

And with QV’s Play & Dine offer running from 22 June to 12 July, there’s even more reason to turn it into a full day out.