In the fast-paced world of hospitality, achieving a decade in business is no small feat. But it’s an accolade that Melbourne favourite Cumulus Inc can claim, set to clock a decade this June. The iconic Flinders Lane eatery was opened by chef Andrew McConnell and business partner Jayden Ong in 2008, in an effort to offer Melbournites a more informal take on fine dining. The venue’s penchant for all-day dishes and share plates garnered it a legion of loyal customers, and a reputation as one of the city’s favourite dining destinations. 

“It is quite unbelievable reaching the 10-year milestone as a restaurant. I am so proud of Cumulus Inc and all of our staff, past and present, that got us here,” says McConnell of the restaurant’s impending birthday. 

To celebrate, the month of June will turn into a birthday party of sorts for the venue to give thanks to customers and producers alike. Most notably, from June 4th the restaurant will be taking reservations for the very first time for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.

On Sunday July 22, a special lunch will be held to celebrate 10 years upstairs in Cumulus Up. The menu will include some of the venue’s favourite dishes (matched with wine of course). Tickets will be available for $120 per person.

Specials will also abound. $10 wines from a special shortlist of 10 (from the venue’s favourite producers) can be partnered with a $10 plate of shucked-to-order oysters. Or you can choose instead to sip on the celebratory Pinot Noir from Curly Flat winery, created especially in celebration of Cumulus’ 10th.

Of course, there’s also a cake – for what’s a party without one. The Cumulus Inc. Birthday Cake is a decadent concoction of chocolate, malt and whisky will be available all day, every day for “whenever one needs it,” says the venue. All that’s left to do is to help the restaurant make a wish and blow out the candle.

Cumulus Inc.
45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
cumulusinc.com.au