It's been a big couple of years for Gimlet and the Trader House team, the Andrew McConnell-led collective transformed the Cavendish House venue into one of Melbourne's foremost dining destinations, even taking out the 84th spot in the best 200 restaurants in the world.
Not a team to rest on their laurels, McConnell, Jo McGann and co have eyed off a space right on Flinders Lane just mere metres from the decadent diner that they'll soon be transforming into a dedicated sister venue, a charming 28-seat cocktail bar.
The all-new venue, which is set to open in winter 2023, will be designed as an intimate space centred around cocktails and bar snacks channelling that old-school allure of early-century New York speakeasies.
Perhaps one of the most notable omissions from the other Trader House venues (Cutler & Co, Supernormal Cumulus Inc, Marion) is that it won't have a traditional kitchen, "it's probably the best thing about it" McConnell jokes.
Instead, McConnell talks about the freedom of operating without one and the excitement of opening their first venue where the bar is at the forefront, not the kitchen.
The food options will still of course be well-executed, from oysters and sea urchins freshly shucked behind the bar, Jamon by the slice and plenty more. Keep an eye out here for all updates on the space.
Check out the new openings in Melbourne over here.
Image credit: Gimlet, Jo McGann (supplied)