Melbourne’s laneways will welcome a new — well, updated — boutique hotel, come this November. The first of the brand to debut in Australia, Laneways By Ovolo will be an evolution of the similarly-named Ovolo Laneways, though, this time, with a design heavily influenced by Memphis in the 1980s and a new restaurant and bar called Amphlett House.
“We have relished the creative challenge of creating a sophisticated and stylish space that gives a nod to the building’s 80s era,” says interior designer and Luchetti Krelle principal Rachel Luchetti. “Memphis nostalgia was a perfect fit for this project and we have interpreted this through injecting colour and energy in the classic Ovolo manner.”
Some of the hotel’s 42 rooms will feature city views, while others will have rooftop terraces. Catering to both weekenders and business travellers, the hotel also has guest laundry facilities available on-site, and, conveniently, is a three-minute walk from Parliament and a five-minute walk from Treasury Gardens.
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Amphlett House will be a taphouse experience spearheaded by two of Australian hospitality’s finest. The co-founder of award-winning Sydney bar Maybe Sammy, Andrea Gualdi will lead the beverage program, curating a drinks list of handcrafted cocktails using Australian ingredients and a selection of classic and new craft beers and wines.
“Our aim is to bring the same level of quality you’d find in Australia’s best bars to the drinks offering at Amphlett House,” Gualdi says. “We are lucky to have access to some incredibly progressive Australian and international producers, both in the alcoholic and non-alcoholic categories, and we look forward to showcasing quality, local produce in a welcoming setting.”
Celebrated Melburnian chef Ian Curley, along with head chef Ben Green, previously executive chef at Gather and Gather in London, are in charge of food, serving up elevated pub classics that highlight quality Victorian produce.
“I’ve loved this part of Melbourne for many years and am looking forward to serving up humble fare with big flavours in the Paris end of town,” says Curley.
“There is nothing pretentious happening here — we welcome you to share a meal with family and friends or grab a quick bite with your better half.”
Laneways By Ovolo will officially launch mid-November, whilst Amphlett House will start serving drinkers and diners from late October.
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