Melbourne bar goes up in flames

A bar and restaurant in Melbourne's west has been destroyed by fire.

Mbar and Kitchen in Footscray was well alight when firefighters arrived at 3.50am on Wednesday.

It took 50 firefighters and two aerial units about half an hour to control the fire.

A community warning had been issued for residents in the area to avoid Barkly Street, fire brigade spokesman Ross Duncan said.

The damage bill is estimated at about $300,000.

Fire investigators are trying to determine the cause of the blaze.