Slated to open in late-April, Mill Place Merchants will be Melbourne’s latest watering hole taking inspiration from classic speakeasies.
Mill Place Merchants will be located in a heritage-listed 19th century building, which formerly hosted the Flemington Meat Preserving Company and the city’s last flour mill.
The speakeasy is the work of Director Paawan Engineer (Cuff Melbourne, Rosewood Hotel Group, Hyatt International) who says the venue will be a showcase of old-school hospitality.
“There has been a long history of speakeasies in Australia going back to the 1800s – working with a building from this time, we were inspired by the building’s history,” says Engineer.
“It will be a destination venue for those who embrace and value good, old fashioned customer service, with a warm and welcoming ambiance and a big emphasis on community spirit.”
The venue’s cocktail offering will be led by Giancarlo Mancino and will feature classics from drink icons such as Harry McElhone of Harry’s Bar and American bar author Jeremiah P Thomas.
Guests can also expect a Victorian-focused wine list, and a range of beer and spirits on pour.
Food-wise, Mill Place Merchants will serve a menu of bite-sized eats, bar snacks, cocktail sandwiches, cheese boards, and desserts showcasing Australian native ingredients.
Highlights include devilled eggs with saltbush and Yarra Valley Caviar; kingfish crudo with Geraldton wax kosho and lemon aspen; plus a traditional rum baba.
Tokyo-born architect Victor Isobe along with local designers Jane Rosback and Ormes Sawyer are behind the venue’s look which aims to transport diners back in time with vintage knick-knacks and furniture, and retro furnishings.
Mill Place Merchants is slated to open late-April in Melbourne.