Chris Lucas has announced his forthcoming French bistro Batard will now occupy two historic buildings in Melbourne’s Bourke Hill precinct.
The Lucas Group founder confirmed the opening of Batard in June last year, which was slated to open in a Victorian terrace across the road from the new Bourke Street site.
The restaurateur decided to move the venue after he was approached by the owners of 23 Bourke Street.
“While I was very happily working away on one building, the owners of next door (23 Bourke Street) approached me with the opportunity to rework two important and beautiful buildings,” says Lucas. “It was a rare opportunity to extend my thoughts and ideas beyond what I had originally planned for the corner site.”
Batard is French bistro that will feature a potential oyster bar, rotisserie section and a menu offering classic steak dishes. There will also be plenty of wine on offer. “We’re going to have some fun creating some new wine ideas Melburnians can enjoy,” says Lucas.
While there’s no concrete opening date for Batard, the restaurant is set to launch in 2020.
Image credit: Pete Dillon for Broadsheet
