Pirate Life's South Melbourne venue is set to open on March 14, with the Asahi-owned operation's new venue their first in Victoria, joining locations in Adelaide and Perth.
The venue was first announced towards the end of 2022 and is located in a former mechanic's in Market Street.
The full media release is below.
Media Release: Pirate Life opens highly anticipated South Melbourne venue
Renowned South Australian brewery, Pirate Life has today announced their anticipated South Melbourne venue will open on Thursday 14 March. This will be the fourth venue for the South Australian craft beer brand.
Located in a former mechanics garage on Market Street, Pirate Life South Melbourne will deliver a high energy food and beverage experience – a proud extension of Pirate Life's love for quality beer, produce and hospitality.
Pirate Life co-founder, Jack Cameron, said: “This is our first venue in Victoria, and we couldn’t be more excited. The location is amazing, there’s so much energy down that end of town, and we’re committed to bringing our own style of hospitality and service to the area. This venue is for anyone looking for a good time, especially if that includes sharing cracking food and drinks with mates. Pirate Life has always been about inclusivity, and our South Melbourne location will celebrate just that.”
Pirate Life have appointed both Maria Delengas and Nicolas Lopez as head chefs, with the duo crafting a menu that celebrates Melbourne’s diverse cultural landscape as well as their own South American and Greek heritage.
“The menu reflects the food that we enjoy eating and we’re so lucky that given our location we’re able to get most of our produce locally from South Melbourne Market,” Delengas said.
The menu is broken into five sections: snacks; plates and trays; by the kilo; sides; and desserts. Highlight dishes include: pickled octopus carpaccio; raw bonito with burnt lemon; smoked goat spring roll; butifarra sausage; forequarter lamb chops; low and slow asado beef ribs; and mayura station rump. Desserts include a burnt butter kataifi with pistachio; dulce de leche flan; and hot jam doughnuts.
An express lunch menu will be available daily with dishes including: fried bug sando with pickled jalapeno and aioli; hot roasted two sheet lasagne with bechamel, summer greens and feta; Pirate Life battered fish tacos; and open shawarma with grilled lamb skewers, garlic sauce and creole.
Pirate Life South Melbourne will serve a wide array of expertly crafted beers, including core range classics and limited release recipes like their Vanilla Malt Thickshake IPA. ‘The Market Street Lager’ will also pour as a venue exclusive. All kegs will be shipped directly from Pirate Life’s South Australian brewery.
Pirate Life’s brand experience manager, Matty O’Callaghan said: “We don’t just pour and pass in our venues, we’re obsessed with what we brew and have been since day one. Our crew are passionate about finding the perfect beer for every individual who walks through the door, and, better yet, which one will take their food experience to the next level. Pirate Life’s tap list runs deep, and it’s our privilege to take punters on an explorative journey through flavours and styles. It’s just something we love to do.”
The wine list has been curated by long-time Pirate Life friend and Melbourne-born sommelier, Foni Pollitt. Visitors can expect wines from all over Australia and Europe, with the list predominantly featuring sustainable and organic drops including: Pooley Wines Riesling, Laherte Freres Rose NV, Tomfoolery 'Artful Dodger' Shiraz and Aphelion 'Confluence' Grenache.
South Australian-based architecture and design firm, Studio Gram has brought the South Melbourne venue to life, heroing raw and distinctive features. The revamped mechanic workshop exudes character and individuality, retaining some of the original walls and features. The space showcases exposed bricks, polished concrete, greenery and gritty industrial finishes.
Pirate Life’s ongoing love and patronage of the arts will continue in this venue, with collaborations, mural activations and roaming exhibitions just some of what to expect in 2024. Patrons can also expect live music and guest chef dinners, with more details to be announced in the coming months.
Additionally, a dedicated merch shop within the venue will offer a range of essentials, including branded hoodies, caps, t-shirts and takeaway beers.
Pirate Life South Melbourne is located at 139-145 Market Street and will be open 7 days a week. Opening hours are Sunday - Thursday 11am until 10pm and Friday - Saturday 11am - late.
