Chris Lucas & Martin Benn to launch SOCIETY in late March 2021
Chris Lucas and Martin Benn have announced further developments in their creative partnership with the launch of SOCIETY, a landmark establishment of diverse dining and drinking experiences. Located at the prestigious and historic 80 Collins Street building in Melbourne, this long-awaited project is scheduled to open in late March 2021.
Conversations began over three years ago between Chris, Martin and Vicki Wild. The relationship is a rare and formidable collaboration between restaurateur and chef, united by a vision for a new dynamic restaurant with local sensibilities and international confidence.
80 Collins Street is situated at the centre of a globally recognised destination for fashion, the arts and commerce, combining international appeal with a distinctly Melbourne identity. This once-in-a-generation development in the luxury end of the CBD inspired Chris Lucas and this new project reflects his love and passion for Melbourne.
Chris’ lifelong contribution to the city’s food and cultural landscape, coupled with Martin's desire to expand his culinary repertoire and Vicki’s dedication to the art of hospitality, resulted in SOCIETY. Dramatic in scale but intimate in style, the restaurant has 180 degree views over Collins and Exhibition streets.
A contemporary reimagining of mid-century attitude, SOCIETY will encompass distinctly different experiences – the SOCIETY dining room, customised private dining, the Lillian Terrace (indoor and outdoor dining) and a luxurious lounge bar. The series of connected spaces remain independent in menu offerings.
The lounge bar seamlessly interconnects both restaurants while maintaining its own identity, its small menu will be the perfect accompaniment after sipping a martini or two, or for those seeking a pre-dinner taste of what’s to come.
The main SOCIETY dining room boasts vast ceilings, while the Lillian Terrace is a more verdant affair with an open-air terrace for outdoor dining.
The eponymous Lillian Terrace is named for the legendary Collins Street denizen, Lillian Wightman, and overlooks her former couture salon, Le Louvre.
The avant-garde cooking that has earned Martin Benn global recognition will continue to evolve and broaden. The menus in all three environments will be entirely unique to each setting and will be a la carte throughout.
“SOCIETY captures the energy of this great city, celebrating one of the country’s most significant chefs and the many talented Melbournians that have come together and created SOCIETY.” explains Chris Lucas. “I am proud of the design collaboration realised by Melbourne designers Russell and George whose unique approach married so beautifully with our thoughts of what a modern restaurant should be. Our society, our city has been through so much this year. It is with great pride that we can finally look to opening our exciting new dining destination and add another dimension to Melbourne’s already incredible restaurant scene, that has been such a big part of my life. With so much talent and passion our Melbourne will rebuild in 2021 and the city will re-emerge stronger and more unified. This year we have been challenged like never before but we have proven our resilience and in 2021 we will celebrate our achievements. SOCIETY is a restaurant for Melbourne and Australia, it will signal a rebirth of our great city and I hope it will be a restaurant that places us comfortably on a global stage, welcoming everyone as we reopen to the world.”
To enquire about reservations and receive up to date information on SOCIETY please refer to www.societyrestaurant.com