Few restaurants have attracted such anticipation in recent years than Melbourne’s Longsong, which is now finally open. Located above its big brother restaurant Longrain, the Little Bourke Street bar now claims one of Australia’s rising stars, David Moyle, as its own. Moyle has worked his magic to create a menu that focuses on sustainable produce in a space that is more than just a bar. The space itself is a second-story horse stable, which was last used in the mid-1900s and still requires access via the original ramps used by the horses each day. Exposed brick walls, loft ceilings and stable floors laden with a mixture of different seating options complete the fit out. As for what’s actually on the menu, there’s everything from light salads to the wood-grilled, and (of course) a plethora of bar snacks. The drinks list has been declared ‘eclectic’ and is a mixture of tapped wine barrels and bespoke spirits. Get a sneak peek at Longsong’s drink list here. Longsong is a collaboration between the Moyle and hospitality heavyweights John and Lisa van Haandel and is open 5 pm until late, seven days a week, longsong.com.au Take a first look now.

John and Lisa van Haandel and David Moyle employed JCB architects to fit-out the space.

“We set about to transform the incredible space above Longrain, creating a new, casual and relaxed bar atmosphere with a lighter palate than many Melbourne offering,” explains John van Haandel of the venue. “

Longsong is a little bit punk, a little bit rebel, a little bit street. It’s Longrain’s naughty little brother. We are all very excited to open”, says John van Haandel.

Dish: Whole John Dory with peas

Dish: Grilled Otway mushroom with kelp

Dish: Sticks cooked over coal – chicken with chicken fat and sesame and grilled Otway mushroom with kelp