Some of Melbourne’s best loved cafés and bars will open at Melbourne Airport this year as part of a major hospitality refresh designed to reflect the Australian 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. Pickett will showcase Victorian produce at its best, serving travelers 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.
The line-up also includes a Hawker Bar and Australia’s first AFL Kitchen and Bar. EARL Canteen and Grill’d will open airport venues as part of the upgrade, which spans 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.
“We think we’ve got the right mix of venues that will appeal to families, solo jetsetters and business travelers and we look forward to the new cafes, restaurants and bars opening later this year.”
Restaurant owner 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 travelers to and from Melbourne a taste of our culinary culture, it’s such an important touchpoint and a great representation of our exceptional city,” he added.
“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.
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 travelers 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.