AVC's European Bier Café Undergoing Total Venue Transformation
Jan 16, 2023
Melbourne’s European Bier Café is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation by Australian Venue Co to become ‘Morris House’ in the CBD. This transformed venue will be an upscale pub with 4 levels with a rooftop bar, dining and a NYC style basement comedy club, set to reopen in Autumn this year.
The new name is a nod to the building’s heritage, as Morris House was the original name of the building at 114-122 Exhibition Street back in 1924. The former Morris House was built as offices for the first Charity Organisation Society in Victoria, and the new venue will pay homage to the history of the site.
Designed by architect, Red Design, the expansive venue will have a total capacity of 550 guests across the basement, dining, and level one areas, with the spacious rooftop allowing for 180 guests.
With the current comedy basement being transformed into a moody, neon-lit New York style comedy club, Morris House is set to become the home of comedy in Melbourne. The revamped ground floor dining space will serve elevated pub classics and modern share-style snacks, and will offer a relaxed, premium setting with plush booths and lighter décor for corporate and social groups alike. On Level One, a new bar & entertainment space will be perfect for private events and live music, and introduces a new balcony which will overlook Exhibition Street.
The fourth and final level of the venue will be an expansive rooftop designed to include comfortable furniture and a chic neutral aesthetic with weather and windproof elements, where groups can gather and drink among leafy green surrounds. Guests will be able to settle in with refreshing cocktails and graze on sociable share plates.
The building’s façade will also be refreshed, with a new, light and bright colour palette replacing the existing dark façade.
Australian Venue Co. CEO Paul Waterson is excited for the relaunch to make Morris House a go-to destination for comedy lovers and corporate locals, positioned within the CBD’s booming hospitality hot spot.
“It’s a complete transformation. We’re proud to operate some of the Melbourne CBD’s most iconic and popular pubs, are excited to keep investing in the Melbourne CBD with this project. The CBD is back, and we’re focused on the future.”
Melbourne CBD workers are sure to embrace the venue for mid-week drinks and dining, with Morris House perfectly positioned in the city’s thriving hospitality precinct, directly opposite 80 Collins.
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