Travellers get excited - some of Melbourne’s most loved cafes and bars will open at Melbourne Airport this year as part of a major hospitality re-fresh designed to reflect the city’s renowned foodie scene.
Celebrated Melbourne chef and restaurant owner Scott Pickett will open Pickett’s Deli & Rotisserie, bringing his Queen Victoria Market concept to the airport. Mr Pickett will showcase Victorian produce at its best, serving travellers his signature chicken roll with gravy.
In an Australian airport first, Stomping Ground Brewing Co will open an independent brewery on-site pouring a wide range of craft beer, plus food from the brewery’s Collingwood menu.
TV personality and Maha owner Shane Delia will launch Moors by Shane Delia, much loved café Cobb Lane will open selling its popular pastries, and Axil Coffee Roasters plus Proud Mary will launch eateries, much to the delight of locals.
The line-up also includes a Hawker Bar and Australia’s first AFL Kitchen and Bar. EARL Canteen and Grill’d will also open airport venues as part of the upgrade, which spans across Terminals 2 and 3.
Melbourne Airport Chief of Retail Andrew Gardiner said complementing Melbourne’s renowned culinary offering was an important consideration when selecting new tenants.
“Melbourne is one of the world’s top food destinations so it is important that our food and beverage offering reflects the amazing variety of food found across our wonderful city,” said Mr Gardiner.
“Dining out is an experience and it should continue at the airport where travellers and locals alike get to have one last taste of the city.
“We think we’ve got the right mix of venues that will appeal to families, solo jetsetters and business travellers and we look forward to the new cafes, restaurants and bars opening later this year.”
Restaurant owner Scott Pickett said he was delighted to launch a venue at Melbourne Airport.
“Operating a hospitality offering in an airport is an amazing opportunity to provide travellers to and from Melbourne a taste of our culinary culture, it’s such an important touch point and a great representation of our exceptional city,” said Mr Pickett.
“I have been privileged to work with Delaware North over a number of years through the Australian Open and am honoured they asked me to be part of this new and exciting airport offering. We are truly thrilled to be part of it.
“I'm looking forward to giving travellers a true taste of the quality of Melbourne food, from our house cured and smoked bacon, slow roasted overnight and carved in the morning to order for dishes such our much-loved bacon and egg buttie, to our roast chicken coated in our secret rub in delicious baguettes. The best produce prepared and served in the best way.”
Stomping Ground co-founder and Director of Venue Operations, Justin Joiner said “Operating the first brewery bar and restaurant in an airport in the Southern Hemisphere poses a number of challenges. It was critical for us to partner with an organisation with significant experience operating in airports and Delaware North was clearly aligned with our ambition to create a unique experience at Melbourne Airport,” he said.
“Melbourne is our home and we're incredibly excited to be able to bring a genuine Stomping Ground Beer Hall experience to Melbourne Airport. Travellers will be able to enjoy a wide range of our beers, from their favourites to some limited editions brewed onsite, along with a full beer hall food menu and tinnies to take away. All set against the backdrop of the brewery tanks and the airfield, it will be the perfect place to relax when your flight is delayed, or stop for a quick beer before you board.”
Overall 11 new tenancies will replace most of the airport’s existing food offering in Terminals 2 and 3 and renovations will take place in a staged approach to ensure travellers can continue to access food and beverage options.
The new venues will begin opening from September with the full renovation to be completed by December 2019.