A theatrical Sri Lankan diner – where hoppers are the hero – is coming to Melbourne.

The pair behind Entrecote, Jason Jones and Brahman “Bremi” Perera, are bringing Hopper Joint to Greville Street, Prahran, where their classic French brasserie is also located.

“After six years, we will finally get her off the ground,” Jason tells Broadsheet.

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“It will be pure theatre … loud, sexy and delicious,” he goes on, “with the hoppers being made in the middle of the restaurant, people ringing little Sri Lankan antique bells for service, and arak and gin cocktail creations by the incredible Joe Jones, of Romeo Lane fame.”

At the restaurant there’ll be three variations on the hopper (cup-shaped, wafter-thin pancakes made with rice flour): plain, egg, and string. “The menu is a nod to Bremi’s heritage – growing up in an extended Sri Lankan family in Doncaster,” Jason says.

And as for the fit-out? A recent trip to Sri Lanka inspired the pair, while Perera is a prolific interior designer, behind the beautiful Ursula’s. Jason says Hopper Joint will be influenced by colonial architecture with a “modern Geoffrey Bawa/Perera edge”, referencing the work of the leading Sri Lankan architect.

Hopper Joint is set to open on Greville Street, Prahran in early 2024.

@hopperjoint