Restaurant owner Jessi Singh is charging ahead with his opening of the new and slightly controversial ‘Mr Brownie’ in South Melbourne, bringing an unashamedly Indian flavour to the city pub.
Singh is already a well-known pot-rattler in Melbourne, fronting his eateries Daughter In Law, Horn Please, and Mrs Singh, which have reportedly been trading well throughout the crisis, including helping feed healthcare workers.
Expanding into a four-storey pub, Mr Brownie offers an array of indoor and outdoor spaces, including the new rooftop bar and a speakeasy-style cocktail lounge. There is space for private functions, an Indian deli to support the foodservice offerings, and no less than five levels of plush red velvet booth seating and furniture.
The man describes his menu as based in the kinds of curried cuisine you would find in a British boozer, with too much oil and spice.
His aim is to celebrate the proclivity of the brown man in society both here and the UK, and importantly, hopes to see them in the Australian pubs he adores.
“I’m tired of seeing [pubs] named for European figures like Queen Elizabeth.
“This is a pub owned by a brown person and operated by brown people. I think it empowers us, and I’m happy to have people come after me.”
The structure was until recently Fishers Craft Beer Bar, which closed after less than two years.
Singh’s pub will likely offer broader appeal, but has retained a strong focus on artisan beers and producers, with a collection of over 500 brews onsite. These can be purchased for takeaway or consumed in-house for a small corkage.
“Thank you for support Melbourne for helping us opening new venue during Covid times,” triumphed a Facebook post.
“Mr Brownie will create new jobs in South Melbourne area and buying direct from small family run business & breweries where it can.”
Mr Brownie will open at 343 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne, on 2 July, and trade Thursday to Sunday.
Looks fabulous! Do you know how to make a booking here as I can’t find a phone number?
Thanks