Arrived early for your Gimlet reservation? Andrew McConnell will open a new bar just a few doors down from his award-winning restaurant where you can head for pre-dinner drinks and snacks.

The sister venue will open on the corner of Flinders and Hosier Lane, with seats for just 28 diners – significantly less than its lofty neighbour. The space will have no kitchen, so guests can expect a pared back menu that includes freshly shucked oysters and sea urchin, as well as charcuterie and preserved snacks.

Andrew McConnell has confirmed that he has signed the lease, with the venue slated to open in mid-2023. Sydney design house ACME will be back on board for the interiors once again.

Gimlet at Cavendish House was named the number 1 restaurant in Victoria in this year’s delicious. 100.

It’s not the only new venue for Andrew McConnell next year, with the Sunshine State set to receive its first Trader House venue Supernormal in late 2023.

More details to come. 

Related review: Gimlet named best restaurant in Victoria in the delicious 100 for 2022