And the World’s First IconPark Residents Are…

Stanley St. Merchants! Two-and-a-half hours before the deadline for the inaugural season of pop-up crowdfunder IconPark, the teams were neck-and-neck, fighting it out at the $50,000-$60,000 mark. Then, with thirty minutes to go, thousands of people from all over the world logged in. The two top-performing budgets surged into six figures before Stanley St. Merchants emerged triumphant.

Twenty-one days ago, six passionate food and beverage teams entered into an epic hospitality battle. Their goal? To win more pledges than any other competitor. Their motivation? To see their unique concept take up a 12-week residency at brand-new venue IconPark.

So what can we expect when the victors open at 78 Stanley Street on April 22? Award-winning Western Australian chef Matt Stone will be moving in downstairs with a sustainable, locally foraged menu (“from honey harvested in Neutral Bay, to paper bark sourced on the streets of Marrickville”). To match, there’ll be artisan spirits and coffee from Melbourne favourite St Ali, delivered by head barista Sal Malatesta.

Then it’ll be upstairs for a “MASH-meets-Motley Crue” cocktail bar experience, shaped by drinks expert Bobby Carey (Shady Pines, Riley St Garage, Old Growler) and resident in-house distiller and all-round hospitality legend Jeremy Spencer (West Winds Gin). Expect an imaginative menu, slick service, and an emphasis on Australian-made spirits. Finally, “out the back” will be transformed into the secret world of Uncle Sal’s House of Cards and Dominos. You’ll need a password to enter (released daily via social media).

Even if you didn’t pledge during the competition, it’s not too late to get in on the action. Gift vouchers are still on sale and your best bet for getting into the venue.