When south-side favourite Ilona Staller closed for good in December, Commune Group – which is behind Hanoi Hannah, Tokyo Tina and Firebird – swooped at the opportunity to expand. Now the restaurant group has just announced it’s taking over the art deco former bank at 282 Carlisle Street in Balaclava.

Though details about the new concept remain scarce, the group’s creative director Simon Blacher said in a statement: “Our plan is to be a Carlisle Street institution and be around for the long run. We’re keen to deliver something different once again, as we continue to evolve our hospitality offerings.”

“We are stoked to be expanding our venues and are evaluating what concept will work best in this space and in this area,” he added. “We have grown up in the area, the building has a great history with very unique features.”

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communegroup.com.au