Speakeasy Kitchen and Bar

LOCATION
In South Yarra, on Melbourne’s famous shopping strip, Chapel Street.

FUNCTIONS
Popular for functions, outside has a total capacity of 120 people, which can be broken into sections. The upstairs dining room has a maximum capacity of 40 guests seated, with various table plans available, or can hold 80 for standing events. The entire venue can be hired out for special events, with a total capacity of 200.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Blink and you’ll miss the entrance to this new concept restaurant and bar on South Yarra’s Chapel Street. Owned and run by brother’s Petros and Alexis Lambis, Speakeasy is a one stop shop for all your wining and dining desires.

Slip through the Speakeasy shopfront and a deceptively large space is revealed. Modern and sophisticated, the design by Eon Architects features smart wood panelling, clean-cut Nordic furniture, an open kitchen and cascading wire chandeliers that soften the edge. Upstairs, the elegant private dining area provides seating for up to 40 and is the ideal space for a special gathering. However, for those not interested in formalities, a large courtyard outback, offers alfresco nibbling on large communal tables and an area to enjoy a boutique beer or two. This rear patio (and obviously the restaurant’s name) takes inspiration from the 1920’s prohibition era speakeasy bars - featuring ‘secret’ laneways covered in graffiti art by local artists. The New-York inspired images that bedeck the buildings perimeter are by Paul Round of Urban Enhancement, whose character filled designs boast as much flair as the bartenders themselves. In the speakeasy theme, weekend barbeques draw quite the crowd, and with plans to feature live music throughout the summer, Petros and Alexis are sure to have their hands busy.
It’s rare to find a place that you can enjoy a drink and meal the night before, and happily head back the next morning for breakfast and this is what Speakeasy is all about. Whether you’re looking for a coffee and croissant, a beer and burger on a Sunday arvo, or a three-course meal of French Bistro classics, Speakeasy has it all.

The brother duo have done something rather novel and wonderful at this little gem of a restaurant on Chapel Street.

Anna Lisle