Now Open: The Social Quarter Is Chadstone's New Jam-Packed Dining and Entertainment Precinct

It's been almost exactly six months since Australia's biggest shopping centre revealed plans for its new $70-million dining and entertainment precinct. And, while they didn't quite get their anticipated summer launch, those plans have now finally come to life, with Chadstone today cutting the ribbon on the 10,350-square-metre precinct it's calling The Social Quarter.

Officially open to the public from Wednesday, March 1, the centre's newest addition spans a hefty 17 different entertainment offerings and dining destinations. Think of it as an eclectic playground of food and fun for visitors of all ages.

UA Brewery

Debuting as part of this week's launch are five brand-new bars and eateries, including a seventh outpost for beloved gelateria Piccolina and an all-day Euro diner from the Half Acre crew called Cityfields.

Also in the mix: White + Wong's latest Asian fusion restaurant, complete with adjoining rooftop bar named Sardine, and a working brewery from UA Brewing (formerly known as Urban Alley). The latter will be producing beer especially for the precinct.

White + Wong's

These join other existing culinary offerings such as Mama's Buoi, Fonda and Betty's Burgers, and a more recent addition from David Mackintosh (co-founder of MoVida, Lee Ho Fook, Ides) in stylish Ligurian-inspired restaurant Cinque Terre.

If you're here to unleash your playful side, you'll be spoilt for choice with no less than four new entertainment venues. Among them are outposts of Funlab favourites like Strike Bowling, Holey Moley and Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, serving up a familiar offering of kidult fun.

Hijinx Hotel, by Eugene Hyland

Also making its home within The Social Quarter is Melbourne's first Hijinx Hotel — the lavish challenge room venue designed in a nod to The Grand Budapest Hotel and Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, which has proved a firm hit in Sydney and is soon set to launch in Brisbane, too. Here, you can sleuth your way through various mini challenge rooms while sipping inventive, eye-catching cocktails from the bar.

Archie Bros, by Eugene Hyland

Find The Social Quarter at Chadstone Shopping Centre, 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone, Victoria. Opening hours vary between venues.