Australian Venue Co (AVC) is opening its latest venue today, with the four-level Morris House opening all four levels, following a huge $4m renovation.
The pub, located on Exhibition Street in Melbourne’s CBD, was the European Bier Café, has been re-designed by Red Design and now boasts a new-look light exterior, NYC inspired basement comedy club, stylish ground level dining room, inviting level one bar and terrace and an expansive rooftop with city views.
The renovation sees Morris House now able to accommodate 550 guests across its four levels, with room for 180 guests on its spacious rooftop.
Morris House Venue Manager Dylan Hewlett said the renovation is a new era for the old building and is an exciting addition to the Melbourne pub scene.
“We’re bringing all the best parts of Melbourne together in one place which means there will always be something to come and enjoy. Start your night with a meal in the dining room, before heading down to the Basement Comedy Club for a show and end the evening on the rooftop with a signature cocktail,” said Hewlett.
Morris House now comprises:
Basement Comedy Club – a neon-lit space inspired by the great comedy clubs of New York. Featuring exposed brick, moody lighting, the space will play host to local and headline comedy acts every Friday and Saturday night.
Ground Floor Dining Room & Bar – The revamped Dining Room found on the ground floor features cosy, plush leather booths and a new marble bar which is conveniently positioned off the busy city sidewalk for those after a mid-week lunch or post-work drink.
Level One Bar & Terrace – the terrace overlooks Exhibition Street, will host weekly live music and can be booked for both corporate and social events. The ideal spot to enjoy local bands every Friday night, or sip on $16 Negronis whilst kicking-back to the sounds of Jazz every Thursday.
Rooftop – Perched on the fourth level, the rooftop is an inner-city, leafy-green oasis ideal for social get-togethers. The retractable roof means year-round comfort and long leisurely lunches, cocktails at dusk and late-night drinks no matter the season.
The venue also boasts a new menu from Executive Chef Christian Abbott and Head Chef Andrzej Urbanik with tasty share plates and reimagined pub classics.
Menu highlights include Baked Camembert, confit garlic & rosemary; Burrata with pickled fennel, raspberry vinegar & basil oil; Crumbed Western Plains Pork Rib Eye, capers, parmesan & raw slaw; and a Boozy New York Cheesecake with Manhattan jelly, vanilla ice cream & cherry.
A carefully curated cocktail menu with a signature Agave section features a Frozen Iced VoVo Margarita, a house take on an old-school Australian biscuit; Thirsty Hearts Club, a refreshingly, slightly smoky number made with Mezcal, Cointreau, Green Juice, Agave, Lime & Tajin, and a crowd-pleasing Spicy Watermelon Margarita.
The destination gives all the chance to take in everything Melbourne has to offer; Morris House bookings and menu available via www.morrishouse.com.au