Overview
It's long been a go-to both for live comedy and international beers. But now, the four-level Exhibition Street site formerly home to the European Bier Cafe is stepping things up a notch. It's set to score a top-to-toe multimillion-dollar revamp, reopening in autumn 2023 under the new moniker Morris House.
With extensive renovations already under way, the building is being reborn as a 550-capacity venue at the hands of Australian Venue Co (State of Grace, Harlow, BrewDog Pentridge), complete with an NYC-inspired comedy club in the basement, plus upper restaurant and bar spaces. Expect a sprawling 180-person rooftop as the crowning glory, too.
As for the new name, it's a nod to the site's original incarnation, which dates back to 1924.
An exterior paint job is set to refresh the building's facade, while brand-new interiors are the work of local studio Red Design Group. The neon-lit subterranean level will play host to a hefty program of comedy performances and events, while the dining space above is getting a lighter, fresher aesthetic to match a brand-new menu of refined pub classics and share plates.
Up on the first floor, you'll find a bar, entertainment space and terrace, serving up a live music program as well as offering space for private events. And the leafy rooftop bar crowns it all, decked out in neutral tones and features to protect punters from Melbourne's unpredictable weather. In a few months time, this'll be your spot for modern cocktails and shared platters overlooking the city.
The European Bier Cafe, by Giulia Morlando
Morris House will open at 114-122 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, in autumn 2023. We'll share more details as they drop.