This Just in: the Team Behind Johnny's Green Room To Open Three New Concepts, Including an All-Day Osteria and a Late-Night Music Bar, in the King & Godfree Building
The historical Carlton grocery shop is to enter a new era with plans just announced for three fresh and exciting new venues to open over summer and into 2026.
King & Godfree, the historical Carlton grocery shop, is to enter a new era with plans just announced for three fresh, new venues to make their home in the iconic corner building site. The new venues will open over the coming summer and throughout 2026.
The first of the three venues, slated to open in December, will see the space previously occupied by Agostino transformed into a casual, counter-service pizzeria. In time, the basement cellar will reopen as a late-night cocktail and music bar, and the much-loved deli will be reimagined as an all-day neighbourhood osteria and wine bar.
Owner, Jamie Valmorbida (of Pidapipo and Johnny's Green Room) says, "Letting go of the deli wasn't easy, but it was time to move forward. What we're building still carries that same spirit — just in a new way. Our goal is to create venues that become part of Carlton's story for years to come."
That the King & Godfree building is an integral part of Carlton's history is undeniable, with the original store dating back to 1884. Carlo Valmorbida, Jamie's grandfather, is said to have brought Italian staples such as olive oil, Parmesan cheese and pasta to the Carlton community, and was central to Melbourne's evolving hospitality landscape.
Johnny's Green Room, Arianna Leggiero
Valmorbida has gathered a stellar team around him to bring these new concepts to fruition. The same creative group returns from Johnny's Green Room, including Karen Martini (who has also been busy taking over the kitchen at Bar Carolina) as Culinary Director and Dion Hall, leading the design. Joel Penno, with over 30 years of experience in the industry at venues such as Chin Chin and Stokehouse, will serve as General Manager. Mark Glenn, with over 20 years of experience in acclaimed kitchens such as Dinner by Heston and Cumulus Inc., joins as the Executive Chef.
"Building on the success of Johnny's Green Room, we're creating a family of hospitality venues that honour the site's heritage while looking to the future. This is about realising the King & Godfree building's vision and creating a true neighbourhood precinct — generous, welcoming, and connected to its history."
Images: Griffin Simm.
To keep up to date with further details, check out @kingandgodfree on Instagram. If you're craving a slice of pizza or a bowl of pasta in the meantime, check out the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne.
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