Summer is about to go off like an uncorked bottle of Champers this year, with several reopenings of bars, beer gardens and popular rooftops bringing Melbourne’s outdoor dining and drinking scene back to life. In good news for Carlton locals, Lygon Street’s Johnny’s Green Room is one of them.
For months, the elevated terazza-style drinking destination was closed to the public while owners Jamie Valmorbida and Luca Sbardella planned an ambitious relaunch. After a long winter of waiting (and much curiosity), it’s now been revealed that Johnny’s Green Room will open its doors again to the public this December, with brand new food and drink offerings and a creative redesign.
The team have joined forces with award-winning designer Dion Hall (Music Room, Supernormal, Rare Hare, Pidapipo Laboratorio) on the renovations, which include a semi-retractable roof that will enable the bar to stay open all year round, so you don’t need to let a spot of drizzle interrupt your drinks! And a famous new line-up of talent is also set to transform the space just in time for the reopening date.
Renowned chef and author Karen Martini is swooping in to lead the kitchen as the new culinary director, while one of Australia’s top cocktail mavericks, Matthew Bax (Bar Americano, Tippling Club), will be overseeing the drinks.
Expect a European summer-inspired menu, celebrating fresh produce and authentic Italian flavours with a touch of contemporary flair. “We’ve designed the food offering so that it really speaks to Italian tradition with a modern twist,” says Karen Martini. “Expect a seasonal menu of share plates designed to be enjoyed in good company. Don’t worry - there’ll still be pizza.” Phew!
The drinks list will celebrate the effortless elegance of Italian drinking and entertaining culture, with a refreshed roll call of sunny Spritzes, aperitivi, wine, beers and more.
If you didn’t get a chance to hop on a plane to Europe this year for an Italian summer, Johnny’s Green Room looks set to be the next best thing. We’re counting down the days...