Can Andrew McConnell Strike Restaurant Gold Again?

What do BHP Billiton, Dolce & Gabbana and Andrew McConnell have in common? Come next year they'll be housemates in 171 Collins Street, Melbourne.

Big business and office space feels like an odd backdrop for Andrew McConnell to open a new restaurant. But as owner and operator of Cumulus Inc, Cutler & Co, Golden Fields, Moon Under Water and The Builders Arms Hotel, he is one of those lucky and talented few who seems to nail it every time. Maybe he's the guy who can make large corporations sexy. The McConnell effect, you might say.

Early 2014 is the timeframe surrounding this new venture, and there is little in the way of information being released. But what is known is that 171 Collins Street is going to be the place to be come early next year. Tucked in the Flinders Lane tenancy of the space, maybe can we expect Melbournian charm alongside McConnell's known and loved modern produce-driven food.

When it comes to the cuisine to expect, a trip to Tokyo is sparking rumours that Japanese may be on the cards, but this is just speculation. Development partners Cbus Property and Charter Hall are, unsurprisingly, thrilled at McConnell's involvement in this new project and hope it will secure the building as a place for quality and style.

We’ll be watching this one with a keen eye. Drive-by of 171 Collins anyone?

Images: Artist's renders of 171 Collins Street.