Chef Sean Connolly is set to open Shush Burger, a speakeasy-style burger bar in Melbourne that locals will want to keep hush hush.

The burger bar will be tucked away behind floor-to-ceiling curtains on level one of the Courtyard by Marriott Melbourne located on the fringes of the city’s CBD.

The Yorkshire-born chef says the 50-seater venue “will offer more than just kicking burgers” when it opens on March 29. 

“Shush Burger is just a bit of fun really. It’s about great burgers, disco and cocktails,” says Connolly.

“I want it to be a lively place for locals. And I want it to feel a bit like a hidden secret.”

Shush Burger is the first Melbourne venture for the Yorkshire-born chef, who has spent decades building his name in Australia and New Zealand.

Connolly’s roster of great restaurants includes Steak & Co., and Gowings Bar & Grill in Sydney, Esther at QT Auckland and Sean’s Kitchen in Adelaide.

While the Courtyard by Marriott might feel like an unlikely place to find a fantastic burger in Melbourne, Connolly says he will rely on his tried-and-tested formula for success.

“I place as much importance on the music, lighting, friendly staff and vibe as the food when I open a restaurant,” he says.

“I love all genres of music. Every restaurant has a soundtrack. Gowings is about spaghetti, steak and rock ’n’ roll. Sean’s Kitchen is exclusively Brit pop. Esther is drum and bass. And Shush Burger will have a nice poppy fun feel with disco vibes from bands like Duran Duran, New Order and Blondie,” he says.

As for what constitutes a great burger, Connolly believes it’s all about the meat-to-bun ratio, pulling back on the salad and not skimping on the sauce.  

“There must be more meat than bun and plenty of sauce. And not too much salad. It’s got to be a seven-serviette job,” he says.

Connolly says he drew inspiration for Shush Burger from the Burger Joint tucked away in the lobby of the Parker Meridien Hotel in New York City.

“I went to the Burger Joint about 15 years ago and the idea of it has stuck with me ever since. I wanted Shush Burger to be hiding in plain sight within Courtyard by Marriott. I want it to be a place to go to for a good time,” he says.

Related news: Chic new wine bar and restaurant locked in for Pentridge Prison revamp