Melbourne’s newest city precinct ELLA, where Elizabeth meets La Trobe, welcomes four new operators in July adding further vibrancy to the space. ELLA is the latest precinct by The GPT Group – a game-changing food-and-beverage focused space integrating authentic modern Asian street food into a precinct that acknowledges Melburnians’ love of laneways. Stage one of the precinct recently opened to an enthusiastic response, adding a new dimension to Melbourne Central. 

The second instalment of new arrivals include Blackhearts and Sparrows, an independent wine, beer and cider store; Sushi Club, the latest concept by Japanese food gurus, Jiro, offering premium fusion sushi; and Reverie Cafe & Desserts by renowned French pastry chef Pierrick Boyer. Alongside these coveted food offerings, Australia’s first ever AOJO store will open, turning around prescription eyewear in half an hour.

ELLA’s Development Manager, Stuart MacLeod-Smith, said since opening its doors in late May, ELLA has become a popular place for locals to meet, eat and be entertained and he’s confident the new additions will make it even more enticing.

“The additional area at ELLA includes a new shared space, where food and drink can be enjoyed with friends from across all of the outlets. It is the perfect space to enjoy a long lunch or soak in the evening while socialising. Having Blackhearts and Sparrows as part of the new space in ELLA means you’ll even be able to grab a great bottle of wine and enjoy it in the space with friends” he said.

The new space allows for more music events

Pop-up live music will continue be a drawcard for ELLA, with the new space allowing more even expansive music events including Festival FOMO parties (live-streaming popular music festivals from around the world), Morning Raves and Foreign Film screenings.

ELLA’s cultural credentials continue to be bolstered, with curated soundtracks, live music by both up-and-coming and established artists, open deck and BYO vinyl nights, an ELLA choir, and an artist mural wall.

Reverie Cafe & Desserts

The much-anticipated cocktail bar, Byrdi, will open in August. The first Australian cocktail bar by globally renowned bartender Luke Whearty, founder of Singapore’s award-winning Operation Dagger (on the World’s 50 Best Bars list), those in the know are already expecting great things.

There will be two more outlets joining the ELLA line-up later in 2019, with The Fermentary – a city destination for the Daylesford brand, and Axil Coffee Roasters to open in early 2020.

Current retailers at ELLA include Colours Bowls, the latest offshoot of South Yarra’s hatted restaurant, Atlas; Sam Sam where it’s all about deep-fried Korean chicken; Son in Law The Pad, a new concept by Collingwood’s popular Thai eatery; Pick a Stick Chinese Skewers by Dainty Sichuan; Nepalese restaurant, Chilli Everest and ever-popular Ajisen Ramen.
Collingwood-based hospitality hub, Worksmith, has also opened its second co-working space here.