It’s been a big year for Scott Pickett.

In winter, the acclaimed Melbourne restaurateur – who’s behind Matilda, Estelle, Lupo and Pastore – stepped in to save Longrain from permanent closure.

And now, Pickett has unveiled plans for a second new restaurant – a grand, all-occasions Eurocentric bistro – that will open in the CBD in mid-December.

We think you might like Access. For $12 a month, join our membership program to stay in the know.

SIGN UP

Chancery Lane is moving into the historic Normanby Chambers on Little Collins Street, which was home to Vue de Monde before it moved into the Rialto. “It is an amazing opportunity to continue the legacy of Normanby Chambers that has been home to some of Melbourne’s most iconic restaurants,” Pickett said in a statement.

He’s enlisted regular collaborator Stuart Neil to lead creative direction; chef Rob Kabboord (Lekker, Quay, Merricote) to lead the kitchen; and Bergman & Co (Poodle Bar & Bistro) to lead design.

The 100-seater’s fit-out will exude old-world opulence – with a deep-green colour scheme, checkerboard tiling, dark timber accents, and antique brass and textured gold details throughout. Most of it is coming to life with help from local makers and antiques dealers.

Kabboord’s devising a classic European bistro menu, crisscrossing between approachable dishes (such as a dry-aged duck burger and on-the-bone Cape Grim porterhouse) and more extravagant options (such as caviar bumps and splash-out-worthy seafood platters).

You’ll also find meats dry-aged in-house, heirloom tomato consommé, King George whiting with ratatouille and more. And for dessert? A raspberry-and-gin baba and a chocolate-and-cherry mousse.

The floor-to-ceiling wine cellar will be stocked with top-shelf drops (in a wall cavity that was once a safe), as well as Grand Cru burgundies and an extensive selection of locally made drops.

Chancery Lane is opening at 430 Little Collins Street, Melbourne on December 16.

chancerylane.com.au