Overview
Barbecue restaurant Fancy Hanks and its rooftop bar counterpart Good Heavens are set to score both a sibling and a sizeable expansion — and all in one go. The owners of the two Bourke Street venues have revealed that they've snapped up multiple levels of the site next door, all to house a brand-new venue and make way for a heap of extra rooftop bar space. The move will see Good Heavens' sky-high footprint triple in size, transforming it into what's expected to be the city's largest rooftop and openair bar.
Once the project is finished next spring, the beefed-up rooftop venue will sport a new 11-metre-long bar, with 40 dedicated beer taps and even more pouring spritz varieties. A new look by design firm Ewert Leaf is set to complement the sweeping city skyline views, while an al fresco barbecue pit will be available to book for parties and dinners, complete with a private chef to cook up a storm for you. As before, cocktails up here will lean to the classic.
Fancy Hanks by Chip Mooney
In the space below — which once housed Grand Trailer Park Taverna — a new bar and pub, Springrock, will launch. This spot is set to embrace a healthy dose of Americana, with a menu dedicated to US diner classics served up courtesy of the Fancy Hanks team.
Expect plenty of roomy booth seating and a huge 18-metre horseshoe bar pouring Melbourne-born The Gospel Whiskey on tap, plus dishes such as brisket smash burgers, sticky barbecue wings and hot fried chicken sandwiches. You'll be able to access the venue both via a separate Bourke Street entrance and through Fancy Hanks.
Find the new-look Good Heavens at 2/79 Bourke Street, Melbourne, from spring 2022. Springrock will open at 87 Bourke Street, Melbourne, around the same time.
Images: Chip Mooney