admin January 6, 2026
The popular Green Man’s Arms pub in Carlton has announced its MFWF event, and is set to ignite the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival this March with three nights of Plants – Set on Fire. Plants – Set on Fire will be an immersive plant-based dining experience, in collaboration with Renee Buckingham (podcaster, tastemaker, and the force behind Melbourne Vegan Guide), will give all food lovers the opportunity to taste the very best plant-based dishes.
Being held on 21st, 26th and 28th March, the events will redefine what plant-based dining can be, blending creativity, community and culinary storytelling into a feast that champions vegetables like never before.
Guests will enjoy a four-course shared menu with vegan-friendly welcome cocktail and wine pairings from standout Victorian minimal-intervention winemakers. Throughout the event, diners will hear from Renee and Johnny as they share insights into ingredients, flavours and the craft behind each dish.
Green Man’s Arms MFWF Event
A Plant-Powered Collaboration
After 11 years living plant-based, Renee Buckingham has been on a mission to prove that vegan food is not just ‘good for a vegan’, it’s good, full stop. The collaboration with Green Man’s Arms head chef Johnny Ly brings together two leaders in Melbourne’s plant-based movement.
“People are curious. They want to eat more plants but don’t know where to start,” Renee says. “This event is about showing how exciting, indulgent and downright sexy vegetables can be.”
With a reputation for flavour-first cooking, and his inventive plant-based innovative pub dining, Chef Johnny Ly brings technique, precision and fire to every dish.
“Green Man’s Arms is known for some of the best plant-based dishes in Melbourne and we are excited for these Melbourne Food & Wine Festival events where we will create a bold, flavour-packed menu designed to challenge perceptions on what plant-based eating is really about.”
Plants – Set on Fire event at Green Man’s Arms
What: Plants – Set On Fire, a MFWF event
When: 21st March (12pm – 2.30pm), 26th March (6pm – 8pm) and 28th March (12pm – 2.30pm)
Where: Green Man’s Arms, 418 Lygon Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053
Tickets: $95 per person (includes GST; booking and card fees may apply)
A Menu That Challenges Plant-based Perceptions
Inventive courses using modern plant-based methods, from fermenting to fire-finishing. Highlights include:
- Torched Crème Brûlée Cocktail – a delectable arrival drink with soy custard, salted caramel vodka, vanilla cherry-bark bitters, coastal vodka and sugar brûlée, showcasing technique and a playful twist on the dessert
- Mushroom Steak – charred, smoky, impossibly rich, and designed to rival classic steakhouse flavours
A Celebration of Community, Curiosity and Sustainability
The Green Man’s Arms MFWF Event: Plants – Set on Fire will not just be a meal, it will be a dining experience built on storytelling, collaboration, and reimagining the future of food.
“This event will bring together people who are vegan, veg-curious, or just passionate about flavour,” Renee adds. “For anyone who has wondered what plant-based dining looks like beyond salads, these lunches and dinner events will be the place to find out.”
Green Man’s Arms
418 Lygon Street, Carlton
