|Places| Melbourne is
|Places| Melbourne is Having a Moment … Recently overtaking as Australia’s most populous city, Victoria’s capital is ready to celebrate with a fresh wave of high-concept establishments worthy of its shiny new moniker. By Carrie Hutchinson I t’s a reference any Melburnian will understand. Outside the spa at the city’s newest five-star address, The Ritz- Carlton, Melbourne (ritzcarlton.com), water runs down a wall, a collection of copper leaves appearing to float on it. It’s an interpretation of the water wall at City Square. Before being temporarily removed to allow for construction work, the original was somewhere children would “stick” fallen oak leaves, amazed they would hang there as water ran around them. It’s just one of the ways the design team at BAR Studio has captured the city’s story. From the cast-bronze handles on the lobby doors, created by Indigenous artist Maree Clarke using a traditional welcome necklace, to Robert Scholten’s wallsized drawings of Melbourne scenes in each of the lift lobbies, the hotel brand has ensured guests will never forget where they are. Of course, given the breathtaking views of Port Phillip Bay – and every aspect of the city from the Sky Lobby on the 80th floor – that would be almost impossible. If the Ritz-Carlton’s impeccable 257 guest rooms were the only ones to have recently opened, Melbourne would be doing just fine. But at almost the same time, Le Méridien Melbourne (lemeridienmelbourne.com) was unveiled at the aptly named Paris end of the city. Built on the site of a former theatre and music venue, the references here encompass entertainment. The restaurant is Dolly, named after the movement of a film camera; the foyer bar, Intermission. Once you peel your eyes from the stunning vistas of St Patrick’s Cathedral PHOTO © FREYJA 22 CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM
From left: outside Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters on Fed Square; the stunning urban panorama from Beverly Rooftop; the Berries in the City cocktail at The Royce Hotel’s Showroom Bar Opposite: the moody dining room at chef Jae Bang's new Freyja restaurant PHOTOS FROM LEFT: ARIANNA LEGGIERO, JAKE RODEN, © THE ROYCE and Parliament House through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Palace Suite, you’ll notice a turntable, Marshall speaker and a selection of vinyl records from bands who once played in the old venue. For those who prefer a neighbourhood vibe, The Royce (roycehotel.com.au) has just reopened on St Kilda Road after a two-year makeover. Now, the spectacular all-day Showroom Bar takes centre stage in the Art Deco former Rolls-Royce showroom, while other spaces have been lifted with the addition of bespoke wallpaper from Barcelona and chrome embellishments inspired by the Rolls-Royce grille. The highlight of its 94 rooms are six two-storey loft suites, all with original cornicing and views of the Shrine of Remembrance, set in what was once the original mechanics’ workshop. Bringing local flavour to a diverse range of openings continues on the restaurant scene. South Korean chef Jae Bang had just reopened Re-Naa in the Norwegian city of Stavanger (where it almost immediately achieved two Michelin stars) when he arrived in Melbourne to open Freyja (freyjarestaurant.com). He brings a New Nordic sensibility to the menu using ingredients and produce characteristic of the local climate, landscapes and waters. All of this is contained within the incredible Olderfleet building, where this stylish eatery blends the building’s original 1880s architectural features and a minimalist Scandi-style fit-out. At Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters (victoria restaurant.com.au), set on the banks of the Yarra River in Fed Square, chef Alejandro Saravia has sourced the best produce from right across Victoria for his frequently changing menus. Sometimes he focuses on a certain part of the state, at other times there’s a more wide-ranging approach. The cellar is filled with local wines, highlighting the quality of Victoria’s regional offerings. There’s no need to wander from venue to venue during a night out, with four-storey Her (her.melbourne) offering a cavalcade of options. Arrive at sunset for drinks at Her Rooftop, move on to Thai canteen BKK on level three for Bangkok-inspired street fare, then kick back in the Music Room, with its curated vinyl collection. On the ground floor is Her Bar, an all-day diner serving French dishes and inventive cocktails. If you’re keen to taste native flavours, the menu at Myrtle Wine Bar (myrtlewinebar.com.au) features ingredients like Tasmanian mountain pepper, wattle seed, native celery and foraged pollen in dishes perfect for pairing with the selection of Australian wines, from classic drops to more experimental varieties. It’s all packaged in a former blacksmith’s workshop in a laneway. Some of the city’s best-known chefs are also raising the bar. Shane Delia’s Jayda (barjayda.com.au), an opulent venue serving cocktails and small plates with Middle Eastern flavours, is a companion to his restaurant Maha. Apollo Inn (apolloinn.bar) is an intimate European-style cocktail bar from Andrew McConnell’s team at Gimlet. For panoramic views of the city, take a seat on the epic terrace at South Yarra’s Beverly Rooftop (beverlyrooftop.com.au). Its impeccable design, created by local firm Mitchell & Eades, is inspired by Hollywood glamour and LA cool. Order a plate of oysters and champagne for the ultimate way to end a Melbourne day. CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM 23
