In the heart of Carlton, where Lygon Street has long carried the soul of Melbourne's Italian heritage, a new force has arrived to reclaim its vibrancy. Sangaweech, the latest venture from the irrepressible Sooshi Mango crew - Carlo, Johnny, and Andrew - has transformed 300 Lygon into a pilgrimage site for sandwich devotees. What began as whispers of a panini bar has erupted into one of the city's most electric openings in years, with queues snaking down the block from the moment doors swung open on that late February Saturday. This isn't mere hype; it's a genuine revival, injecting fresh life into a strip that needed it most.
Fujifilm House of Photography has come to Melbourne for the first time, popping up at Chadstone to March 22nd.
To celebrate its debut in Australia’s fashion capital, the pop-up will be hosting a series of complimentary ‘Shoot Your Style’ fashion photography sessions on Saturday 14 March.
Led by local photographer Danielle Castano, the one-day-only sessions will give pairs of style-savvy shoppers expert tips on the angles, lighting and composition they need to take the perfect OOTD shot.
In celebration of its partnership with the McLaren F1 Team, Jack Daniel’s has unveiled its biggest Australian Grand Prix takeover yet - kicking off with a Warm-Up Party and special driver appearance at Middle Park Hotel on Thursday 5 March, before rolling into four days of fan celebrations across Melbourne.
Nestled on Nicholson Street in Fitzroy, the St Andrews Hotel is one of Victoria’s oldest pubs, a place where history seeps from the walls and genuine warmth greets every guest. Recently crowned the 2025 Best Hotel Restaurant in Victoria at the AHA Awards, it is living up to the accolade under the passionate new stewardship of Jasmin Vujic and her partner Rob Turner. The daughter of long-time patriarch Tony Vujic, Jasmin and Rob have taken the reins with care, honouring the pub’s legacy while stamping their own thoughtful blueprint on the venue. They call themselves “publicans of the people,” and it shows: this is a family-owned pub with real heart, a rare antidote to the polished anonymity of chain establishments.
An icon located on Bourke Street in the heart of Melbourne, Florentino stands as one of the city's most enduring culinary landmarks. Established in 1928, the heritage-listed venue at 80 Bourke Street has witnessed nearly a century of dining evolution, from its origins as an Italian institution to its latest chapter under the custodianship of Edition Group (also known as Edition Hospitality). This transition, announced and rolled out in early 2026 following the acquisition from the Grossi family, marks not a drastic overhaul but a thoughtful reinvigoration. The philosophy guiding this new era is clear: honor the legacy while embracing seasonality, precision, and the exceptional quality of Australian produce to elevate Florentino to its finest form yet.
n the heart of South Melbourne, where the buzz of the market fades into quieter streets, a historic pub has been reborn with remarkable flair. The Wayside Inn, dating back to 1868, now houses Lush 2.0 - a vibrant, jungle-inspired venue that marries the casual charm of a neighbourhood local with the polish of something far more ambitious. Stepping inside feels like entering a colourful oasis: lush greenery spills across walls, pool tables hum with friendly competition, and two bustling bars pour perfectly chilled Kirin pints alongside cocktails that demand attention.
Benchwarmer, the beloved craft beer haven in West Melbourne, has long been a local hero worth crossing town for, with its funky heritage building, welcoming vibe, and an extraordinary lineup of beers. Now, through an inspired collaboration with next-door neighbor Udom House, it has elevated to legendary status. This partnership brings authentic, bold Thai flavors directly into Benchwarmer's kitchen, creating a match made in heaven that pairs spicy, vibrant Thai dishes with world-class craft brews in ways that feel effortless and electric.
The Langham Melbourne's Melba Restaurant transformed into a vibrant celebration of Chinese New Year, delivering one of the most memorable dining experiences of the year. Attending the media preview set the stage for what would become an unforgettable feast (buffet is running from Feb 16-21), blending authentic Cantonese traditions with refined fine-dining execution.
