Punch Lane 20 Years of Quality
Punch Lane the iconic bar and restaurant recently celebrated 20 years and The World Loves Melbourne was invited along for the action. A packed room of loyal customers, media and friends came together for an eclectic evening to romance and celebrate a significant milestone.
Punch Lane is real Melbourne. The building itself is iconic and historical - pointing to a past era of finery and the classic. Punch Lane sits well in such a setting, exuding quality and class, with a nod to yesteryear and a bold journey into the now.
When an establishment has been firing for 20 years you know they're doing something right. Business friends rave about the fine cuisine and the outstanding wine selection at Punch Lane. Many politicians meet here and deals are done over a bottle of wine and a meal.
Punch Lane pulled out all the stops with its entertainment on the night with this crooner extraordinaire (above).
A packed room imbibed the Punch Lane hospitality all night. When the crooner sang "Love is in the Air" it was a metaphor for the love for Punch Lane demonstrated that night.
When it began Punch Lane was something fresh on the scene and was a catalyst for the laneway culture we now enjoy. The furniture is classic - including chairs from the old Southern Cross Hotel, leather couches and great use of timber.
Punch Lane served up a wide variety of canapes from the sophisticated to simple crunchy fat chips...
The house made sausage rolls also proved popular with guests...
Come here during the week for Roast Aylesbury duck breast, Western Plains pork loin or the Five course tasting menu.
Martin Pirc should be more heralded in this fair city. As the driving force behind Punch Lane he has transcended all sorts of fads and fly by nights. A true visionary Martin Pirc has brought historical Melbourne and culinary Melbourne together. The consistency of Punch Lane has been its strength, along with its ambience, service and attention to detail. Martin has been able to maintain high standards over two decades.
Martin paid tribute to his team, some of which have been part of the Punch Lane family for some years.
Mention was made of renovations and the venue has never looked better. I spoke with customers who have frequented Punch Lane since it opened.
I spoke with Jim, one of the loyal Punch Lane diners, who raves about his 50 or so culinary experiences here. He even told me of the night where two waitresses drove to his country birthday bash to sing him happy birthday. Their singing was average but it was the gesture that captivated.
Punch Lane is a darling of the Melbourne culinary scene. The raising of our glasses and toast to the next 20 years of Punch Lane was made with passion and anticipation.
Punch Lane will be a part of the soul of Melbourne for many years to come.
