admin July 13, 2023
Melbourne CBD has welcomed its newest 4-level pub, Morris House, following a transformational $4 million renovation.
Designed by architect Red Design, Morris House boasts a new-look light exterior, NYC inspired basement comedy club, stylish ground level dining room, inviting level one bar & terrace and an expansive rooftop with city views.
Formerly the European Bier Café, the renovation sees the venue accommodate 550 guests across the four revitalised levels, with the spacious rooftop allowing for 180 guests:
Basement Comedy Club
Morris House is home to the Basement Comedy Club, a neon-lit space inspired by the great comedy clubs of New York. Featuring exposed brick, moody lighting, the space will play host to local and headline comedy acts every Friday and Saturday night in collaboration with Melbourne Comedy, including a residency from Arj Barker from 18th July.
Ground Floor Dining Room & Bar
The revamped Dining Room found on the ground floor features cosy, plush leather booths and a new marble bar which is conveniently positioned off the busy city sidewalk for those after a mid-week lunch or post-work drink.
Level One Bar & Terrace
Showcasing comfortable booth seating and a sunny terrace overlooking Exhibition Street, the Level One Bar and Terrace will host weekly live music and can be booked for both corporate and social events. The ideal spot to enjoy local bands every Friday night, or sip on $16 Negronis whilst kicking-back to the sounds of Jazz every Thursday.
Rooftop
Perched on the fourth level, the rooftop is an inner-city, leafy-green oasis ideal for social get-togethers. The retractable roof means year-round comfort and long leisurely lunches, cocktails at dusk and late-night drinks no matter the season. City-goers can enjoy upbeat DJ tunes on the fourth level every Friday and Saturday night.
Morris House Menu
A new menu from Executive Chef Christian Abbott and Head Chef Andrzej Urbanik offers loaded bagels, fresh salads, top-quality cured meats, house-made focaccia, tasty share plates and reimagined pub classics.
Menu highlights include Baked Camembert, confit garlic & rosemary; Burrata with pickled fennel, raspberry vinegar & basil oil; Crumbed Western Plains Pork Rib Eye, capers, parmesan & raw slaw; and a Boozy New York Cheesecake with Manhattan jelly, vanilla ice cream & cherry.
A carefully curated cocktail menu with a signature Agave section features a Frozen Iced VoVo Margarita, a house take on an old-school Australian biscuit; Thirsty Hearts Club, a refreshingly, slightly smoky number made with Mezcal, Cointreau, Green Juice, Agave, Lime & Tajin, and a crowd-pleasing Spicy Watermelon Margarita.
Morris House Venue Manager Dylan Hewlett said the renovation is a new era for the old building and is an exciting addition to the Melbourne pub scene.
“We’re bringing all the best parts of Melbourne together in one place which means there will always be something to come and enjoy. Start your night with a meal in the dining room, before heading down to the Basement Comedy Club for a show and end the evening on the rooftop with a signature cocktail,” said Venue Manager Dylan Howlett.
For those making the most of the Basement Comedy Club or heading a stone’s throw down the road to Her Majesty’s Theatre, pre- and post-show sips and snacks at Morris House will become routine with four levels to explore and the full menu available in every space.
Gathering with friends at the end of a weekend will easily become a new ritual with the Sunday Long Lunch. Offering grazing smallgoods, house-made focaccia, classic Beef Wellington served with red wine jus and a feast of sides, all served with a glass of wine. Available each week from 12 noon in the Dining Room, Level One, and the Rooftop.
The destination gives all the chance to take in everything Melbourne has to offer; Morris House bookings and menu available via www.morrishouse.com.au
