Ghanem Group has shared plans to launch its first interstate iteration of Brisbane-based Blackbird Bar, Dining & Events at a three-level venue at the Collins Place precinct in Melbourne.
Expected to open in June, the second iteration of the venue will feature a bar, restaurant and event space at 66 Flinders Lane. Set to undergo a full renovation by Space Cubed Design Studio, the new space will combine the essence of the Brisbane venue with Melbourne’s urban charm.
Ghanem Group CEO Vianna Joseph says: “Blackbird Melbourne is the next exciting chapter of the Blackbird story, which began in February 2014 at our riverfront Eagle Street location in Brisbane.
“We believe this is the right time and place for our Melbourne expansion. Blackbird Brisbane has just celebrated its 10th anniversary and has more-than proved its credentials, gaining loyal corporate and leisure clientele, including many Victorian visitors. Bringing Blackbird to their own city makes perfect sense.”
While the group searched for a Melbourne site for several years, Collins Place was selected for its spacious capacity which allows the group to maintain Blackbird’s three-pronged approach to bar, dining and events experiences.
Throughout the venue there will be a strong focus on murals and artwork, and at street level patrons will find an intimate cocktail bar with a sunken lounge, plush banquettes and armchairs.
A central staircase will lead guests to a split-level dining room on level one, featuring a lower-level open dining space and a more intimate space on the upper level, with further private dining and function rooms located above.
Ghanem Group Beverage Director Alan Clark and Group Executive Chef Jake Nicolson, who were part of the original Blackbird launch, will steer the food and beverage offering for the Melbourne debut.
Jake commented: “I am very much looking forward to rekindling and building upon the great relationships with growers and producers I had formed during my early years in Victoria. Showcasing the best of each season’s bounty, and combining the very best produce from Victoria and Queensland for all to celebrate through the menus at Blackbird Melbourne is very exciting.”
Kit Georgeos, Fund Manager for the Mirvac Wholesale Office Fund which owns Collins Place, added: “Collins Place is a true landmark of Melbourne’s CBD and an icon of the city skyline – we are thrilled Ghanem Group has chosen it as Blackbird’s home after an exhaustive search.
“Blackbird’s mix of corporate and leisure clientele is perfectly aligned to the customer mix and experience at Collins Place, and we look forward to officially welcoming the team in a few months.”
