Overview
Fresh off expanding Supernormal to Brisbane and opening new concept Bar Miette in the same building, Andrew McConnell (Cumulus Inc, Cutler & Co, Supernormal, Builders Arms and Marion) has returned to Melbourne to sign a lease on an all-new venture in the CBD.
There's no details yet on what he'll be cooking or who will be joining him in the kitchen, but the new restaurant will take over the former Becco site. This old-school Italian diner has been serving city workers and visitors since 1996, and before that was home to Pellegrini's Tavola Freddo Cantina.
For decades, this Crossley Street site has played an important role in the city's food scene, and McConnell and his business partner Jo McGann have been sure to recognise this.
Gimlet by Earl Carter
"This is one of the most important heritage restaurant sites in the city. The dining room has a beautiful soul that reflects its history and the incredible hospitality that has been offered here for over 70 years," shares McConnell.
"We are excited to preserve and continue this legacy whilst bringing new energy to the space."
To revamp the space, McConnell and McGann will once again collaborate with Sydney-based design studio ACME (Gimlet and Apollo Inn). However, we won't get to see what they've dreamt up until it opens in late 2025.
Until then, the duo will run a temporary outpost of Morning Market — the Euro-centric grocer and cafe that McConnell and McGann opened during the pandemic.
Supernormal Nikki To.
McConnell and McGann's new restaurant is slated to open in late 2025, and will be found at 25 Crossley Street, Melbourne. For more information, you can visit the restaurant group's website.
Image: Andrew McConnell by Shelley Horan for Melbourne Food & Wine Festival.