Melbourne’s Southgate Restaurants Warming up with a Season of Foodie Feasts & Events
With Summer around the corner there’s a feast of foodie events with new seasonal produce, riverside alfresco dining, a festive dessert workshop and end of year celebrations at Southgate Melbourne
Summer means longer days and warmer nights with a refreshing cocktail and seasonal share plate in hand, taking in scenic city views along the banks of the Yarra River. To make it all the more enticing, Southgate Melbourne’s slew of riverside restaurants and bars has a range of events and specials from November-January.
Alfresco dining is back in a big way with the newly refurbished and expanded riverside diner BearBrass primed to welcome the warmer months. With 350 breakfasts turning over every hour each weekend, the venue is preparing for their busiest time of year. The new look venue features an open bar where you can watch the chefs preparing your food while the bartender mixes your favourite cocktail. BearBrass venue manager Michael Singleton says “Our new bright burnt orange colour scheme has brought a vibrant, fresh feel to the venue.”
Dessert bar Damon Bradley is set to host their first summer pastry workshop for sweet treat lovers on Saturday 2 December. Masterchefs-in-the-making will have the chance to work alongside the Damon Bradley pastry chefs and learn to plate up like a pro just in time for Christmas. You’ll also get to sample some of their new season desserts bursting with summery flavours, like the Devonshire crepe filled with the award-winning Damon Bradley lemon curd topped with fresh berries.
Melbourne’s multi award winning Italian restaurant and gelateria Tutto Bene, took out yet another award this year, winning Best Italian Restaurant in Victoria at the 2017 Restaurant & Catering Savour Awards. Head Chef Nathan Scarfo looks for vibrancy in the colour of his produce and counts asparagus, snap peas and zucchini flowers to be among his favourites for the warmer months.
“Our new dishes all have a focus on using the whole ingredient. We are focusing on traditional Italian cooking – simple, no wastage, with every ingredient having multiple uses,” says Nathan. One of his summer menu highlights is the Fiori di Zucchini: fried zucchini flowers, roast pumpkin, peppitos and mustard fruits, best enjoyed on the Tutto Bene Terrazza with a crisp glass of Chardonnay.
Following its recent expansion over two levels and the launch of the more casual PS Bar + Kitchen, the new Pure South Dining continues to make the most out of the best produce of the season with Executive Chef David Hall highlighting pears, asparagus, broad beans and broad bean leaves as his ingredients of choice.
“We keep our dishes simple and allow the amazing spring and summer produce to be the hero. Our house cured line-caught Kingfish with dashi, meyer lemon, wakame and quail egg is proving to be very popular and a great simple dish heading into the warmer months,” says David.
Family favourite La Camera Southgate has one of the best Aperitivo Hour deals in Southbank, accompanied by sweeping balcony views over the Yarra River. Sip on a complimentary Italian cocktail (choose from Negroni, Sbagliato, Aperol Spritz and more) with any antipasti plate.
ENA Greek Street Food puts an authentic Greek spin on the most important meal of the day with the launch of their new breakfast menu. Think Spanakopita, Tyropita (layered buttery filo with cheesy egg) and Strapatsada (Greek style scrambled eggs with tomato and fetta) and for the sweet tooths, Bougatsa (semolina custard filled pastry).
One of Southgate’s favourite watering holes, Waterslide Bar, has reinvented the spritz with their signature “Tinder Date” cocktail, the perfect accompaniment for flirtations on their leafy riverside balcony. The refreshing drink combines delectable French Loire Valley Cremant Sparkling with fresh berries and yuzu.
Southgate’s stable of riverside restaurants will come alive throughout the festive season with Christmas lunches hosted by iconic Irish pub P.J.O’Brien’s and German Bier Bar Grill Hophaus. The silly season continues with an array of New Year’s Eve celebrations including Waterslide Bar, ENA Greek Street Food, BearBrass, P.J.O’Brien’s and Hophaus, each boasting some of the best firework-viewing vantage points.
Southgate is home to fifteen diverse restaurants, bars and eateries, with cuisines ranging from German to Tasmanian to modern European. A range of boutique retailers including vintage fashion, books and stationery can also be found within the precinct.
**Information & Images Courtesy of Southgate Restaurants/Fuller PR
Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times News
Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events
E: connie.lambeth@theaustraliatimes.com.au
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tatgourmetmag/
READ ON FOR THE FULL PROGRAM OF FOODIE FEASTS & EVENTS RIGHT THROUGH TO NEW YEAR’S
What’s on at Southgate this Spring and Summer
- Southgate’s riverside favourite BearBrass reopens
Boasting one of the best locations on Southbank nestled right alongside the Yarra River, BearBrass has become somewhat of a Melbourne institution and reopens after major refurbishment just in time for summer.
From after work drinks to pre/post theatre dining and even corporate events, BearBrass is back with a fresh new look as it maintains its reputation for delicious cocktails with great food in a relaxed environment.
When: BearBrass opening hours are Monday to Friday 7.30am to late, Saturday & Sunday 8am to late
Where: Shop G3A On the River, Southgate Restaurant & Shopping Precinct, Southbank VIC 3006
Bookings: For bookings call 9682 3799 or Book Online
- The new Aperitivo at La Camera
The Aperitivo is as much a part of Italian culture as pizza and pasta. It’s Happy Hour…but with food!
La Camera Southgate puts their twist on the traditional Aperitivo hour with a selection of mouth-watering antipasti platters to choose from. Choose from a selection of classic tapas-style hot plates, cured meats and roasted veggies accompanied by a complimentary aperitif. Take your pick from Aperol Spritz, Campari, Vermouth, Negroni, Sbagliato or Prosecco.
When: 4.00pm – 5.30pm everyday
Where: La Camera Italian Restaurant, Mid Level East End, Southgate Melbourne,
3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank, Victoria 3006
How much: Antipasti plates vary from $15 – $20 based on menu selection. Each plate comes with a complimentary aperitif cocktail
Bookings: lacamerasouthgate.com
- Free flowing champagne Sundays at Pure South Dining
Never suffer from lunch envy again with ‘Free Flowing Champagne Sunday Lunch’ at Pure South Dining. Pure South will be rotating the bubbles with Mumm Cordon Rouge Brut, Bollinger Special Cuvée and Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial each Sunday during the 3 hour lunch sitting.
When: 3 hour lunch reservations can be made every Sunday throughout November, December and January excluding NYE
Where: River Level, 3 Southgate Ave, Southgate Melbourne, 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank, Victoria 3006
How much: 2 Courses for $139pp or 3 Courses for $149pp
Bookings: For enquiries or reservations contact 03 9699 4600 or ps@puresouth.com.au
- Stella Sundays at PS Bar + Kitchen
Crisp European lager, a chilled out playlist, great food and relaxed vibes with a river view. Gather up some friends and enjoy an afternoon at Pure South Dining’s relaxed bar downstairs.
When: 12:00pm to 6:00pm every Sunday throughout November, December and January excluding NYE
Where: River Level, 3 Southgate Ave, Southgate Melbourne,
3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank, Victoria 3006
How much: $7.00 Stellas when you purchase any ‘large plate’ or ‘feed me’
Bookings: To book visit the PS Bar + Kitchen website. Walk-ins welcome.
- Dia De Los Muertos at Waterslide Bar
Come and celebrate The Day of the Dead at the Waterslide Bar on Thursday 2 November. Do as the Mexicans do and treat yourself to 20% off Tequila & Mezcal.
When: 4:00pm to 1:00am Thursday 2 November
Where: Shop MR3 Mid Level East End, Southgate Melbourne,
3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank, Victoria 3006
How much: 20% off Tequila & Mezcal.
Bookings: To book visit the Waterslide website. Walk-ins welcome.
- German Cinema Festival in Melbourne
Hophaus is proud to sponsor the German Cinema Festival to keep German Cinema alive in Melbourne. 11 films (21 screenings) will be screened at Backlot Studios in Southbank over the course of one week commencing 17 November. Hophaus will be offering cinema-goers 20% Discount off Food & Beverages* over the week when you present your ticket stubb.
When: Friday 17 to Saturday 25 November 2017
Where: Hophaus German Bar & Grill, Mid Level, Southgate Restaurant & Shopping Precinct, Southbank VIC 3006
How much: 20% Discount off Food & Beverages (20% discount, up to $25 off your bill in one transaction)
Bookings: For more information and bookings visit the Hophaus website
- Hophaus Trivia Night
Get involved in Hophaus’ famous Trivia nights where entry is free! There are great prizes and giveaways with a new theme every month to test your knowledge. The final trivia night for 2017 is set for Wednesday 29 November with an epic Star Wars theme planned. Get your team in quick as these nights sell out well in advance!
When: 6.30pm Wednesday November 29 (Star Wars Theme)
Where: Hophaus German Bar & Grill, Mid Level, Southgate Restaurant & Shopping Precinct, Southbank VIC 3006
How much: Free
Bookings: For more information visit the website or Book Online Now
- A Sparkling Christmas on Southgate Ave at Damon Bradley
Calling all dessert lovers! Looking for some inspiration for your Christmas lunch? Join the team at Damon Bradley for a Sparkling Christmas Workshop on Southgate Ave. The Damon Bradley pastry chefs will share their secrets as they serve you with sweet bites and delicate treats alongside matching wines from Brown Brothers. Get an exclusive look at both their classic and trending masterpieces including their amazing cakes and join in on the fun as you learn how to make simple yet defined desserts. You’ll then be treated to a demonstration on how to plate up like a pro, a sure way to impress your guests this Christmas. The ticket price includes a special Damon Bradley gift bag on the day.
When: 12.00pm – 2.00pm Saturday 2 December 2017
Where: Mid Level, M28/3 Southgate Restaurant & Shopping Precinct, Southbank VIC 3006
How much: $60 per person including gift bag (18 years and over).
Bookings: To book call 03 9645 5966 or visit the Damon Bradley website
- WEIHNACHTSESSEN Christmas Day lunch at Hophaus
Frohe Weihnachten! A Christmas feast at Hophaus! You’re invited to join us to celebrate Christmas Day Lunch at Hophaus on Monday 25 December 2017. We shall be serving a delicious three-course shared Bavarian feast. A children’s menu is available so bring the whole family for a special meal by the river overlooking Melbourne. Preview the mouth-watering menu online here.Wunderbar!
When: Monday 25 December 2017
Where: Hophaus German Bar & Grill, Mid Level, Southgate Restaurant & Shopping Precinct, Southbank VIC 3006
How much: Adults $95, Children $30 (2 courses – 12 years & under) + booking fee
Bookings: Call the venue on 9682 5900 Book Online for Christmas Day Lunch or email prost@hophaus.com.au to find out more.
- Christmas lunch at P.J.O’Brien’s
As the Barmy Army descends on Melbourne for The Ashes series, Southgate’s iconic Irish pub hosts their annual Christmas Day Lunch. Enjoy a fantastic day at P.J.O’Brien’s by the river as the chefs serve up a traditional three course Christmas Day Lunch with all the trimmings and your choice of entrée, main and dessert.
Christmas Eve dining bookings are also available with a Christmas Roast Dinner. For enquiries and bookings please call the venue directly on 03 9686 5011 or email melbourne@pjobriens.com.au.
Slainte! Merry Christmas!
When: 12.00pm and 4.00pm sittings on Monday 25 December 2017
Where: P.J.O’Brien’s Southbank, River Level, Southgate Melbourne, Southbank VIC 3006
How much: $70pp with a kids menu available for $20 per child 12 years & under.
Bookings: Bookings & pre-payment are essential and can be done onlineor directly with the venue 03 9686 5011.
- Hophaus Biergarten NYE Festival
With one of the best vantage points in Southbank overlooking the river, city and fireworks, join Hophaus for their Biergarten NYE Festival with live music, DJs and food stations. There are three packages to choose from:
Festival Twilight Dining – Starting with a Schnapps on arrival and then enjoy a delicious 3 course shared menu festive menu. Seating times are 5pm, 5.30pm and 6pm (guests must vacate tables by 7.30pm).
Festival Cocktail Party Package – This cocktail party will be from 8pm in the lounge bar and terrace overlooking the city and includes roaming canapes, festival food stations and a five hour beverage package including imported premium German biers, premium wines by the glass, basic spirits & soft drinks.
Festival Late Dining – Starting with a Schnapps on arrival and then enjoy a delicious three course shared menu carefully designed by our Head Chef and a 5 hour beverage package including imported premium German biers, premium wines by the glass, basic spirits & soft drinks. Indoor & Outdoor seating available.
When: Sunday 31 December 2017
Where: Hophaus German Bar & Grill, Mid Level, Southgate Restaurant & Shopping Precinct, Southbank VIC 3006
How much: Festival Twilight Dining – $65 per adult & $30 Children (12 years & under).
Festival Cocktail Party Package – $150 per person. Book now for an Early Bird price of $140.
Festival Late Dining – from $190 per adult inside and $210 per adult for outdoor seating.
Bookings: Call the venue on 9682 5900 Book Online for New Year’s Eveor email prost@hophaus.com.au to find out more.
- NYE 2017 at BearBrass
See out 2017 at the newly refurbished BearBrass. Enjoy a cocktail on arrival or indulge in a bottle of Pol Roger Champagne for $80 per bottle when you pre-order.
Take advantage of BearBrass’ riverside location as you set off on a 20-minute boat ride along the Yarra River for $30 per person, which includes a beer or wine/sparkling, before moving on to your 4-course set menu ($130pp inside; $150pp outside). Limited seats available for boat bookings with 5.45pm and 6.15pm departures.
When: 7pm Sunday 31 December 2017
Where: Shop G3A On the River, Southgate Restaurant & Shopping Precinct, Southbank VIC 3006
How much: Four course set menu for $130pp seated inside or $150pp seated outside including a cocktail on arrival.
Bookings: Limited dining bookings available. Call 03 9682 3799 or email nye@bearbrass.com.au
- NYE 2017 at ENA Greek Street Food
Bookings now open for New Years Eve 2017 celebrations at ENA with two package options with full kitchen and entertainment fit for a Greek God. Enjoy the Starting Package with all-inclusive Gyros Platter, a great location for the fireworks and a large selection of drinks at bar prices. Upgrade to the Premium Package for prime balcony seating for the NYE sitting or enjoy the location for an earlier dinner at reduced pricing. Choose between Gyros & Fresh Chargrilled Seafood platter with drinks on arrival. All drinks after are at bar prices.
When: Sunday 31 December 2017
Where: ENA Greek Street Food, Mid Level Shop 4 – 9 Southgate Melbourne
3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank, Victoria 3006
How much: $150pp for the Starting Package
$200pp for the Premium Package
Bookings: Bookings essential. To book visit the ENA website
- NYE 2017 at Waterslide Bar
Be sure to snap up prime position along Southgate to watch the spectacular fireworks at midnight and start off the New Year with a bang! Get in quick as this event sells out every year!
The Waterslide Bar crew will make sure that you are being looked after with a bottled cocktail on arrival, light canapés, tunes from resident DJ Ravi Ravs and special guests and front row access to the fireworks show at midnight.
When: 7.00pm – late Sunday 31 December 2017
Where: Shop MR3 Mid Level East End, Southgate Melbourne,
3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank, Victoria 3006
How much: $65pp includes a cocktail on arrival and light canapés
Bookings: 18+ event only. Limited tickets available. Tickets are non-refundable. To book visit the Waterslide Bar website.
- NYE 2017 Dining Packages at P.J.O’Brien’s
Celebrate New Year’s Eve dining at PJ’s Sidebar. Experience traditional Irish fare with friends and family and keep the celebration going dining package pricing including entry to the Oscars NYE Party after dinner.
When: 5.30pm & 8.30pm Sunday 31 December 2017
Where: P.J.O’Brien’s, River Level, Southgate Melbourne, Southbank VIC 3006
How much: Early Dinner Package $65pp for a 3-course menu with shared entrée. Children are welcome at our Early Dinner and a $25 menu is available (12 years & Under). *Please note early diners will have to vacate tables by 8pm.
Late Dinner Package $85pp for a 3-course menu with choice of entrée.
Dinner prices include entry to the P.J.O’Brien’s NYE 2017 Party in the main bar and a Welcome Cocktails.
Bookings: NYE Dinner bookings are essential to book call 9686 5011 or Book Online Now
- Oscars NYE Party at P.J.O’Brien’s
Own the Red Carpet for P.J.O’Brien’s Oscars New Year’s Eve party of the year! The famed New Year’s Eve event is back for 2017 with a touch of Hollywood glamour. Dress up in your finery and walk the Red Carpet before enjoying live music and a party DJ to see in the New Year.
When: 7.00pm Sunday 31 December 2017
Where: P.J.O’Brien’s, River Level, Southgate Melbourne, Southbank VIC 3006
How much: $25pp Early Bird tickets purchased prior to the night with access to the Express Queue before 10pm. Includes one Red Carpet Cocktail* on arrival and canapes. All pre-paid tickets must arrive before 10pm to guarantee entry.
$30pp Tickets purchased on the door on the night and also includes on Red Carpet Cocktail* and canapés served up until 11pm.
*One Red Carpet Cocktail on arrival only until 11pm.
Bookings: To book call 9686 5011 or Book Online Now
- Daily summer specials at Waterslide Bar
Waterslide Bar continues their popular 2 for 1 Cocktail offer on Tuesdays and 30% off Single Malt Whiskey on Whiskey Wednesdays.
End your week with an after-work tipple at Waterslide Fridays from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm with $4 Sparkling, $ 4 Pots and $8 Pints. Stick around for Vinyl night from 6 pm to late.
Sunday Sessions continue with Tinnies ‘N’ Tequila. Sip on $5 Tinnies or $6 Tequila and chow down on food specials all day.
- Traditional Sundays Sessions at P.J.O’Brien’s
Sundays during summer are best spent listening to a live acoustic set with a cold drink in had. P.J.O’Brien’s have got you covered with live Irish musicians from 3pm including Irish Soloist Roesy as ‘Little Plough’, Marty Kelly, and The Bad Penguins. Enjoy drink specials from 7.00pm – 10.00pm with $7 pints of Guinness, Bulmers & Coors and $7 Vodka & Jameson. P.J.O’Brien’s also put on a fine Sunday Roast available all day for $22pp with a pint of Bulmers.
When: 12.00pm (with live music from 3pm) every Sunday
Where: P.J.O’Brien’s, River Level, Southgate Melbourne, Southbank VIC 3006
How much: $22pp for the Traditional Sunday Roast including a pint of Bulmers
Bookings: To book a table call 9686 5011
- Thank Guinness it’s Friday at P.J.O’Brien’s
Throughout spring and into summer P.J.O’Brien’s have new Happy Hour Specials to kick start your weekend. Get the Friday good vibes flowing with live music with Bad Penguins from 6.30pm on the main stage then fire up your dance moves with party band Hey Charger later on.
When: 4.00pm – 7.00pm every Friday
Where: P.J.O’Brien’s, River Level, Southgate Melbourne, Southbank VIC 3006
How much: $7 Pints of Guinness, $7 Wine & Sparkling, $7 Basic Spirits and $10 Cocktails
Half Price Oysters – A Dozen Freshly Shucked Oysters for $18
Bookings: To book a table call 9686 5011
- TAGESKARTE Weekly Dinner Specials at Hophaus
$20 doesn’t get you far these days so make it count at Hophaus with weekly dinner specials available from Monday – Thursday each week.
Monday
The ‘Hamburg’er – Angus beef, bier braised onions, cheddar, kaiserfleisch, smokey mayonnaise
or
Fried Chicken Burger, German slaw, cheddar, sour cream, fennel relish
Tuesday
Frankfurter – Frankfurter hot dog, sour cream, smoked cheddar, sauerkraut, mustard, milk bun
Wednesday
Wiener or Chicken Schnitzel
Carrot, beet & apple salat with mint and cumin vinaigrette, bone marrow jus
Thursday
Pick of the BBQ Pit
Potato mash
When: From 5pm Monday – Thursday throughout November, December and January excluding Public Holidays
Where: Hophaus German Bar & Grill, Mid Level, Southgate Restaurant & Shopping Precinct, Southbank VIC 3006
How much: $20 including a 300ml Bitburger or a Glass of Haus wine
Bookings: Call the venue on 9682 5900 to book your table.
- Weekly Lunch Specials at Hophaus
Enjoy lunch specials from Monday through Thursday at Hophaus for $20, which includes a 300ml Bitburger or a Glass of Haus wine. Choose from one of these 4 signature dishes; Roast Chicken Salat, Kartoffelpuffer, Cheese Kransky or Spätzle Salat.
When: 12pm – 3pm Monday – Thursday excluding Public Holidays throughout November, December and January
Where: Hophaus German Bar & Grill, Mid Level, Southgate Restaurant & Shopping Precinct, Southbank VIC 3006
How much: $20pp
Bookings: Call the venue on 9682 5900 to book your table.
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