Victorian hospitality legend, Andrew McConnell, is adding an ‘intimate bar’ to the Trader House group’s portfolio, a ‘sister venue’ to Gimlet slated to open in winter 2023.
A spokesperson for the group told The Shout: “Having just signed the lease, Andrew and the team are in the early stages of ideas, planning and concept.”
“The team will continue the creative relationship with Sydney design house ACME, who worked on Gimlet at Cavendish House, located just a few doors down.”
The venue will be located in a former dry cleaners at the base of the neo-Renaissance McDonald House. The site is found on the corner of Hosier and Flinders Lanes, in Melbourne’s CBD. This will be the fourth venue for the group on and around Flinders Lane, following Supernormal (which will open a Brisbane location in 2023), Cumulus Inc, and Gimlet.
There are plans to have seating for 28 patrons, with Cameron Parish, Bar Manager at Gimlet, overseeing the drinks offering.
Interestingly for the famed chef and restauranteur, there will be no kitchen at the new venue, with a focus on a fresh menu that includes ‘freshly shucked oysters and sea urchins’ and ‘just sliced jamon’.