Overview
After several months and $4 million, we now have an opening date for Morris House, the CBD's new four-storey gastropub-cum-rooftop-bar-cum-underground comedy lounge. Yeah, it's a mouthful.
Set your calendars to July 10 because that's when the long anticipated mega venue will be throwing open its doors.
You might remember we covered the announcement of Morris House back in January. It's been in the works for a while.
The Exhibition Street site, formerly home to sticky-floored comedy icon, The European Bier Café, has been transformed into a modern architecturally designed hospo space, boasting a ground floor dining room and bar, a sunny terrace on Level 1, and a leafy rooftop for 180 guests complete with resident DJs. All the ingredients you expect these days from multi-million-dollar CBD refurbishments. The only thing missing is the obligatory 'listening room'.
Still, as an honour to its former life they've wisely kept the European Bier Café's comedy club downstairs. In fact, Morris House has tried to improve it, drawing inspiration from the New York underground comedy scene. You guessed it: lots of exposed brick. The space will host local and international comedy acts every Friday and Saturday night. Arj Barker is even taking up residence from July 18.
Morris House Venue Manager Dylan Hewlett says the renovation brings the old venue up to Melbourne's modern pub standard — plush leather booths, a marble bar and all.
"We're bringing all the best parts of Melbourne together in one place, which means there will always be something to come and enjoy. Start your night with a meal in the dining room, before heading down to the Basement Comedy Club for a show and end the evening on the rooftop with a signature cocktail."
Given Morris House's location, just near Melbourne's theatre district, they'll also be running plenty of pre- and post-show specials.
Bookings are open now via the new website. We'll see you there on opening day.
Images: Supplied