Overview
Since Jessi Singh returned to Australia from a lengthy stint in the States running his two Babu Ji outposts, the chef-restaurateur has been busy. As well as opening Don't Tell Aunty in Sydney, Singh has open Daughter in Law in Little Bourke Street and, keeping it in the family, wine bar Mrs Singh around the corner on Flinders Lane. Now, he's just about to unveil his most extravagant venue yet: a multi-level British-Indian pub with a rooftop bar, a Punjabi-style deli, a bottle-o, a speakeasy and a dancing lounge — and a casual 500-strong beer list.
Yes, there's a lot going on. So, allow us to break it down. Located on Clarendon Street, Mr Brownie Rooftop Hotel is split into three levels. Enter on the ground floor and you'll find the deli, serving up Singh's signature brand of rule-breaking Indian fare, which includes the likes of naan pizza, yoghurt kebabs and nachos-like papadi chaat.
Parker Blain
You can take this food home, eat it in the the pub or head out back to a 70-seat beer garden. If you decide to sit in, you can order one of the many brews of the hefty drinks list, or go for one of two pét-nats on tap. Those on the move, won't be short on choice for drinks, either, with the bottle-o stocked to the nines, and growler refills available from any of the 16 beer taps.
Don't want to stay on the ground floor? Like a Goosebumps book, but less creepy, now is the time to choose your own adventure: down or up. The latter will take you through a wall of beer cans (that is, in fact, a hidden door) down a flight of stairs to a red-hued speakeasy and dance lounge called the Boom Boom Room. Expect cocktails, neon and tunes aplenty.
Parker Blain
Rewind back to your destiny-defining decision — this time, you choose up. Walk up a staircase and you'll find the main pub area with more British-Indian dishes, more beer and more comfy spots to sit. Ascend further and you'll reach the rooftop terrace complete with city views, tropical cocktails, DJs and brunch on weekends.
With Victoria's current restrictions, Mr Brownie Hotel won't be running at full capacity when it launches on July 2, with just 20 people allowed in each space.
Mr Brownie Rooftop Hotel is slated to open at 343 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne on Thursday, July 2. It'll be open seven days a week.
Images: Parker Blain