Mark your diaries, food lovers! The Ghanem Group’s award-winning Blackbird Bar, Dining & Events is officially spreading its wings, opening its first Melbourne location in June 2025.
Nestled at 66 Flinders Lane within the elegant Collins Place precinct, this will be Blackbird’s first venture outside of Brisbane, taking everything that’s iconic about the flagship venue and giving it an edgier Melbourne twist.
A nice space matched to Melbourne
Collins Place, located at the coveted ‘Paris end’ of Collins Street, will be home to Blackbird’s three-level venue. Think stunning design courtesy of Space Cubed Design Studio, blending dark tones, murals, and artwork for an intimate yet contemporary vibe. And yes, there’s a chandelier for that touch of opulence.
Guests entering from Flinders Lane will start their Blackbird experience in an inviting cocktail bar surrounded by plush banquettes and sunken lounges. From there, a striking staircase will whisk you to the split-level dining rooms. The first level promises mirrored ceilings for an open, almost otherworldly feel, while the upper level delivers a darker, more intimate atmosphere. More? Private dining and function rooms await on the top level, making this venue equally suited to a dinner date or a corporate soirée.
Food is an Australian showcase
What’s on the menu, you ask? Expect a culinary celebration of Josper-grilled and dry-aged meats, sensational seafood, seasonal vegetables and artisan products. Victorian and Queensland produce will take centre stage, capturing the best of both regions. Overseeing this symphony of flavour is Melbourne-born Executive Chef Jake Nicolson, returning to his roots to lead Blackbird’s culinary debut.
Jake’s credentials shine. He sharpened his skills at the Lake House Daylesford before honing his craft in London at hotspots like The Square and The Ledbury. After seven years at Melbourne’s acclaimed Circa the Prince (four as Head Chef), Jake took the helm at Blackbird Brisbane in 2013. Now, his mission is simple yet exciting: to bring Melbourne the same high-quality dining experience that has made Blackbird a household name in Brisbane.
“I’m thrilled to reconnect with Victorian growers and producers and showcase the best of the state’s seasonal bounty, combined with Queensland’s finest, on our menu,” says Jake.
The vibe doesn’t stop at food. Ghanem Group Beverage Director Aaron Clark, another key talent from the original Blackbird team, is heading south to curate a drinks list that’s sure to make waves.
From Brisbane to Melbourne
Blackbird Melbourne is the latest venture from the family-owned, Brisbane-based Ghanem Group. With a legacy dating back to 1978 and a growing portfolio of 12 venues across Queensland and Melbourne (including Donna Chang and the forthcoming Fox Hotel in South Brisbane), the Group has long cemented its reputation as a hospitality powerhouse.
The Brisbane flagship has collected over 34 industry awards, including Queensland Restaurant of the Year and Best Contemporary Australian Restaurant. Its impeccable reputation for events, from weddings to business functions, will be seamlessly brought to the new Melbourne site.
“Blackbird Melbourne is the next exciting chapter,” says CEO Vianna Joseph. “With its 10-year legacy, Blackbird Brisbane has proven its appeal to corporate and leisure clientele, including many from Melbourne. Bringing this to the heart of their city makes perfect sense.”
Kit Georgeos from Mirvac Wholesale Office Fund, which owns Collins Place, is equally enthusiastic. “Collins Place is a Melbourne icon, and Blackbird’s mix of corporate and leisure focus is the perfect fit.”
The vision – check it out!
Whether you’re after Melbourne’s finest dining experience, a dynamic events space or simply a chic cocktail bar to wind down, Blackbird Melbourne promises to deliver. Expansive yet intimate, sophisticated yet welcoming, it’s set to be the go-to spot for anyone who appreciates exquisite food, elegant atmosphere and warm hospitality.
With the opening just months away, Blackbird is poised to become a new jewel in Melbourne’s hospitality crown. Stay tuned for more details as the opening day approaches and prepare to savour some serious culinary artistry – the way only Blackbird can deliver.