The Dolphin Hotel’s Aperitivo Hour is by now a key event come Sunday afternoon. The foodie foray has welcomed some of the best chefs from around the country (if not globe) to partake in a single Aperitivo-style pop-up, integrating their take on the bar snacks and drinks that have made The Dolphin’s Wine Room rather famous.

This Sunday August 26 will see restaurateur Andrew McConnell take up residence. The owner and chef of Melbourne’s Cumulus Inc (among others) will be manning the kitchen, delivering a selection of snacks inspired by the all-day eating house in Flinders Lane. Joining McConnell will be Cumulus Inc. head chef Sam Cheetham on a pilgrimage of sorts; Cheetham was the original Wine Room chef at The Dolphin who departed a year ago for McConnell down south.

“I’m pumped to come back and show everyone what I’ve been up to in Melbourne and what Cumulus Inc. is all about,” says Cheetham of the coming weekend. “The two venues have a lot in common, but most importantly it’s a love of great wine, delicious snacks and good times.”

“The Dolphin Hotel opening was really something else! The opening team was such a great bunch of people, whom will all remember it fondly. While many have stayed on and continue to thrive, a few flew the coup and continued their journey elsewhere,” says The Dolphin’s executive chef Monty Koludrovic.

“Sammy and I have worked on 5 projects together over 10 years. He is a true champion and an awesome cook. It seems right that he joined Andrew down in Melbourne as his pedigree precedes him globally. It is a real pleasure to be able to welcome them both, as a new team, into the Wine room to show us what’s going on down south. Can’t wait!”

The duo’s appearance has been punnily dubbed ‘Mac n Cheets’ and will take place in the Wine Room from 5-7pm, where a smorgasbord of affordable plates and snacks are to be partnered with cocktails and wine. More information on the event can be found online.