Coming Soon: the Team Behind Always-Popular Gilson Announce Plans for a New Late-Night Grill, Likely to Boast a Guest List as Notable as its Wine List
The team behind Melbourne perennial hotspot, the Gilson, have announced plans for an intriguing new venue to open next year.
It's not even the end of 2025, and 2026 is already shaping up to be a significant and exciting year for the Melbourne hospo industry. The team behind Melbourne perennial hotspot, the Gilson, have announced plans for an intriguing new venue to open next year.
James McBride and Marc Gurman are well-versed in the art of Melbourne drinking and dining. Their Domain Road cafe by day, restaurant by night, the Gilson, draws crowds from all hours, serving not only energetic vibes, but consistently high-quality food.
Now, they are taking their many years of experience and channelling it into The Frog Club. Slated to open in August 2026, the new venue is set to be a hot new grill and late-night spot, taking up the former Morris Jones Site on Chapel Street in Windsor.
"At The Frog Club, we are creating a venue we have really missed in Melbourne," says co-owner Jamie McBride, "where it is not just the food that is culturally exciting, but it is also the atmosphere, a place you don't really want to leave."
The venue will take influence from New York City grills, while also focusing strongly on music with a high-flying vinyl collection. There will be burgers and dry-aged steaks, classic cocktails, and if the Gilson is anything to go by, it's likely the guest list will be as notable as the wine list.
Images: Supplied.
The Frog Club is slated to open in August 2026. In the meantime, work your way through the best restaurants in Melbourne using our handy guide.
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