Perched high above the rooftops of Melbourne’s CBD is a secret garden. And while it’s not quite designed for your next picnic foray, it definitely has a dining experience on offer that will be hard to refuse. The QT Melbourne has just introduced its rooftop Secret Garden, a space cultivated by executive chef Andy Harmer to not only grow produce for the venue’s various menus, but host special events on occasion.

“I wanted to create a space that would work as a fully functional garden, providing herbs and vegetables for all of the outlets of the hotel as well as an intimate, interactive space for guests to experience,” says Harmer of the space which overflows with native ingredients as well as more traditional produce.

“Consumers are becoming more and more curious about where their food comes from so this is also an educational way to entertain. Guest can learn about the unique and native ingredients we’re growing whilst surrounded by all of the freshly picked produce that adorns their plates. It’s also really great for our people as it has become a learning space for our staff to appreciate where the produce comes from and what’s involved in the growing process.”

The industrial green space is not only a nod to the QT’s ongoing interest in sustainability, but an added bonus for guests or simply visitors to the hotel who want to try something different. Launching this month, Secret Garden is available to book for groups of 10-25 throughout the year. You can choose between a Chef’s Table option in which Harmer creates a personalised menu for your function, or the rather more interactive Camp Fire, which throws in your own private bar for good measure.

“This is an exciting progression for QT Melbourne,” says Harmer. “Both working with the incredible produce we have available on the rooftop garden, and now being able to open that space to the public and have them experience it in such an intimate and educational way is something we’re really proud of.”

You can find more information on Melbourne’s Secret Garden, and where to book, online.