Restaurateur Chris Lucas Is Opening a French Bistro and Wine Bar in Melbourne This Year

Complete with a rooftop bar and a basement cellar.
Libby Curran
June 12, 2018

It has only been a year since Chris Lucas unveiled the last addition to his sprawling stable of eateries, with the three-storey Japanese Kisumé opening its doors on Flinders Lane last June.

But the acclaimed restaurateur — behind hits like Chin Chin, Kong and Hawker Hall — is already gearing up to launch his next, announcing plans for a French bistro and wine bar to open on Bourke Street before the end of the year.

Dubbed Bȃtard, the venue is set to make its home within a renovated Victorian terrace at the Spring Street end of the CBD, complete with a charming rooftop bar and basement cellar. Here, Lucas will pull inspiration from his many journeys across France, to deliver a homegrown destination for great steak, charcuterie and wine.

"I've spent a great deal of my past visiting all corners of France and like many, dreamed of having my own little bistro," explains Lucas. "I'm somewhat of a nostalgic and want to bring some of that romance to Melbourne with my own touch at Bâtard. I mean, who doesn't love steak frites with a glass of Burgundy?"

If Lucas's other venues are anything to go by, expect it to be big, bold and slightly crude — we're hoping for restaurant that rivals Sydney's much-loved Hubert.

Bȃtard is set to open its doors at 19-21 Bourke St, Melbourne, later this year. We'll keep you posted when we get an opening date.

Published on June 12, 2018 by Libby Curran
Tap and select Add to Home Screen to access Concrete Playground easily next time. x