If you think hard enough, you may remember ‘Harley & Rose’ as a melancholic track from the 90s. Fast forward to 2018 and Melbourne chef duo Josh Murphy and Rory Cowcher use it as a nostalgic reference for their new bar-cum-pizzeria restaurant in Melbourne’s west. Located on Barkly Street, West Footscray, Harley and Rose is very much a neighbourhood hangout complete with its very own in-house bottle-o. “There’s just something about chefs taking a bit of care and staying in their own neighbourhood rather than working in the city or somewhere too far from home,” says Rory.

While the boys wanted to create something close to home, it took a few years before they worked out exactly what that would look like. “We were originally looking for a local bar but couldn’t find anything that fit exactly what we wanted to do. Then this space came up and the concept for Harley and Rose evolved from there.”

Harley and Rose opened its doors earlier this year, and we’ve got a look-in. In partnership with Zantac we’re uncovering the best new restaurants and bars around Australia as they open. We’ve got the lowdown on the team, the design and — most importantly — the menu so that you can head in educated, excited and ready to take it all in — with a few dishes recommended by the chef, no less.

The culinary rising stars, best known for their time spent at the Builders Arms Hotel, Cutler & Co. and Cumulus Inc., have worked on and off together for years. “We’re very much on the same page when it comes to what we like and don’t like about restaurants and food,” says Rory. “When it came to writing the first draft of the menu, it just sort of came together within an hour. We didn’t really need to talk it out.”

The result? A very casual, neighbourhood bar with a menu showcasing everything the boys like to eat themselves. “We both spend a lot of time cooking on our Webers at home and wanted to work with that style of cooking — and we both love pizza so we used that as a starting point,” says Josh.

The design of Harley & Rose focuses on a friendly, local feel. It’s welcoming and warm with just a hint of nostalgia. “The entrance of the restaurant showcases the vibrant bar area. Then, toward the back of the space, it’s calm and relaxed for diners” says Rory. 

The boys enlisted the help of Dion Hall from Projects of Imagination to create an approachable and comfortable environment centred on a neighbourhood quality. “When approaching the design of any venue our focus is on the sensibility we are seeking to create. The materiality is established as the by-product of a particular process we undertake,” says Dion. The 90-seater also features a front courtyard perfect for summertime drinks with friends.

The menu is simple, featuring six woodfired pizzas and five mains alongside a heap of salads and snacks, including cured meats and tasty seafood plates. While sharing is the best way to taste everything, the boys are also big on going solo. “The menu is just as much designed for sharing as it isn’t,” says Josh. “You can grab a couple of pizzas and order some sides, or you can have a steak or enjoy both, really.”

You’ll find all the Italian classics on the pizza menu; there’s everything from margherita to prosciutto to diavola, as well as a pipi pizza with parsley, lemon and cream. For those after a little more, mains include the prime rib eye steak, whole baby snapper, and the highly coveted spaghetti cacio e pepe. Add the Roberta’s romaine lettuce salad with candied walnuts, pecorino and mint and finish off with one of the epic desserts. Our pick: the 18+ heartbreaker featuring Bulleit bourbon and Maltesers.

The wine list is managed by ex-Cumulus beverage manager Mark Williamson and features a stack of varietals from established producers both local and beyond. If you’re after something to take home, visit the in-house bottle-o located just behind the bar. It offers around 100 different take-home varietals that are also offered in the restaurant – a try before you buy kinda approach. Beer also takes centre stage at Harley and Rose with brewed tap Napoleone Helles lager from the Yarra Valley and Young Henrys Newtowner pale ale up for the taking.

CHEF’S PICK: FOUR THINGS TO ORDER

So what should you order? Rory and Josh champion this menu, so we thought they’d be the best people to ask. Here are four picks from the Harley and Rose menu.

Harley and Rose is now open at 572 Barkly Street, Footscray. For more info, visit harleyandrose.net.au.

Keen to check out more newbies? Have a sift through the newest crop of Melbourne openings.

To find out more about Zantac, visit the website. Zantac relieves heartburn. Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist consult your health professional. 

Words: Stefanie Reilly. Images: Giulia Morlando.