Ovolo’s new Melbourne Laneways style

by James Wilkinson

Melbourne is set to welcome 80’s Memphis nostalgia with Laneways By Ovolo making its refreshed debut mid-November as an evolution of the much loved Ovolo Laneways.

The first of the brand to debut in Australia and previously voted Australasia’s Best City Boutique Hotel at the World Boutique Hotel Awards, Ovolo Laneways was renowned for introducing a new take on the boutique designer hotel experience when it first opened and the next phase will reinvigorate this further.

Laneways By Ovolo will elevate the existing personal touch and unique offering with reimagined public spaces and rooms by Australian interior designers Luchetti Krelle and an all-new taphouse experience spearheaded by two of Australia’s hospitality finest: Maybe Sammy co-founder Andrea Gualdi (awarded ‘The Best Bar in Australasia 2021’ by ‘The World’s 50 Best Bars’) and much-loved Melburnian and celebrated chef Ian Curley.

Found deep within the vibrant heart of Melbourne’s many tangled laneways, the boutique designer hotel will offer a big personality; an eclectic inner-city stay infused with rebel spirit that beats to a different drum.

Beaming with creative flair, Laneways by Ovolo will be a colourful nod to Melbourne’s paint-splashed streets. With 42 Memphis-inspired rooms, tailored to the weekend adventurer and the corporate crusader, it will be the perfect spot for travellers to kick off their heels or slip on some sneakers and hit the cobblestones. Or even catch a show in the city’s thriving theatre district.

Interior designer and Luchetti Krelle principal Rachel Luchetti says of the design brief “We have relished the creative challenge of creating a sophisticated and stylish space that gives a nod to the building’s 80’s era. Memphis nostalgia was a perfect fit for this project and we have interpreted this through injecting colour and energy in the classic Ovolo manner.”

A key Laneways By Ovolo experience will be the addition of an all-new food and drink offering through a unique taphouse experience, Amphlett House. The 120-seat venue will feature a sophisticated yet fun interior with exceptional drinks and elevated pub classics.

The beverage program led by Gualdi, Ovolo’s Creative Beverage Director, will feature a curated a drinks list that will tap into a new way of drinking, serving up the classics and a variety on tap including craft beers, wines and a unique selection of handcrafted cocktails using Australian ingredients.

Gualdi said: “My background has been completely focused on cocktail bars so I am thrilled with this unique opportunity. Our aim is to bring the same level of quality you’d find in Australia’s best bars to the drinks offering at Amphlett House.

“We are lucky to have access to some incredibly progressive Australian and international producers, both in the alcoholic and non-alcoholic categories, and we look forward to showcasing quality, local produce in a welcoming setting.”

Alongside a unique way of drinking is a food offering of elevated pub classics which all come together in this upbeat atmosphere, overseen by Ovolo’s Group Creative Culinary Director Ian Curley with support from head chef Ben Green, previously executive chef at multi-site Gather and Gather in London.

Curley said: “The food concept for Amphlett House will be elevated pub dining with a classic menu highlighting quality Victorian produce.

“I’ve loved this part of Melbourne for many years and am looking forward to serving up humble fare with big flavours in the Paris end of town.

“There is nothing pretentious happening here – we welcome you to share a meal with family and friends or grab a quick bite with your better half.”

Laneways By Ovolo will officially launch mid-November, whilst Amphlett House will start serving drinkers and diners from late October.

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