Morgan McGlone has already found a firm place in the hearts of fried chicken fans the country over thanks to his Belles Hot Chicken chain. But the chef is now focusing on a new venture down south, partnering with 100 Burgers group and hospitality/design duo Michael Delany and Jaimie Wirth for Natural History.

Arriving at 401 Collins St in Melbourne’s CBD in February 2018, the venue will function as both cafe and restaurant. As its name suggests, Natural History takes inspiration and reference from the best of the best museums around the world and will be split into two separate offerings of Natural History Bar and Grill, and the street front Natural History Café.

Styled like an NYC bistro, the restaurant will be a 350-seater, influenced by America’s southern cuisine. Morgan will be in the kitchen, leading the charge with a menu steeped in a Southern-style bar and grill classics. Highlights include a steak tartare with fried oysters and tendon chips, an iced shrimp cocktail and a 1kg t-bone, served with chickpea skillet rice, pumpkin wedge, labne and creamed spinach. The dessert array is equally impressive, with the likes of peach cobbler, key lime pie and the 401 baked New York-style cheesecake present.

Morgan’s passion for natural wine has infiltrated the drinks program, which features an array of local options, alongside classic Australian, craft and non-pasteurised beers. A unique collection of cocktails, produced from lesser known spirits, have also been promised.

All will be served in a restaurant decorated nothing short of sumptuous. There are high ceilings, hand-studded upholstered bars, a straw ceiling, stained glass, and a 15-metre diorama constructed with taxidermy all interwoven into the new venue.

If dining in is not an option, there’s a short-stay cafe to accompany. The shop front has been inspired by authentic old-school American diners, serving up porchetta rolls, pastry, doughnuts and coffee to go.