Jon Adgemis’ Public group is opening its first Victorian venue, transforming Kew heritage into and back to the Clifton Hotel in partnership with acclaimed chef Guy Grossi.
The landmark Melbourne pub was built 1868 on Kew’s High Street, and in recent years has been known as Hotel Kew.
It will soon return to its original moniker, while transformed into a multi-venue establishment with five key internal and outdoor areas, including Puttanesca – a restaurant and aperitivo bar laden with lively Italian spirit, led by Grossi Group.
Adgemis claims roots in the precinct, his late grandfather buying property in the area more than 70 years ago, inspiring Public’s first Melbourne asset to be in Kew. The group boasts a rapidly expanding portfolio in Sydney and says the Clifton will be another example of how it “enlivens heritage and unlocks potential”.
It is said to usher in a new era of collaborative hospitality, through the partnership with the esteemed restaurateurs, which Adgemis says came about due to their shared family values.
“Public operates in collaboration with the best of the best, to offer unique experiences to guests and locals,” adds Adgemis, executive chairman.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming them into Clifton Hotel and Puttanesca in August after months of planning and restoration. We are certain the venue will be unrivalled in the area as we give it back to Kew.”
Marc Murphy – 300-game star for Carlton, now project manager – is overseeing the venue’s development, which it’s said embodies “Italian playfulness and flirtatious energy” and a new wood-fired pizza.
Pitching to create a space for the local community or families, for a hearty meal or a quick bite, the menu is influenced by Grossi’s Italian heritage, incorporating familiar favourites to be found on an Italian family dinner table, made with quality, wholesome ingredients and “treating them with respect”. Diners can expect a selection of antipasti, Spaghetti alla Puttanesca, Mamma’s Lasagne, Puttanesca pizza and more.
Grossi Group is chef and restaurateur Guy Grossi and co-owner Liz Rodriguez, who say they are thrilled to be working with the Public team.
“Internally, the venue is a beautiful space and the bones of the building are quite spectacular, and I am looking forward to seeing it all come to life,” furthers Grossi.
“We hope the local Kew community and beyond will love it as much as we do.”
UPDATE: Clifton House opened Saturday, 19 August
