‘Tis the Season

It’s time to gather with friends, family and colleagues to toast the end of (another) year like no other. And of course, the city’s most exciting new luxury hotel is a must-do-destination for your festive celebrations. Why not add these event ideas to your Christmas wish list…

Sophisticated spaces for private end-of-year gatherings

La Madonna Restaurant and Bar, the sumptuously understated enclave swathed across the hotel’s entire third floor, has fast become the city’s most dynamic newcomer to Melbourne’s food and wine scene – and offers enticing options for small group gatherings.

• The Green Room

Tucked away from the hustle of the bar and restaurant, this lounge area (so named for its’ fresh green hued décor of custom carpets and elegant artworks) allows you to watch over sunbathed Little Collins Street below as you sip on barrel aged cocktails, expertly selected wines and delectable small bites prepared by La Madonna’s chefs. Perfect for private gatherings of 30 standing or 15 seated, The Green Room’s is arguably the city’s best kept secret for now and can be booked for exclusive use for a festive
gathering.

• The Barrel Room

With just six sought after seats, this semi private space is where the magic happens ageing the hotel’s cocktails, spirits and liqueurs. Here in this barrel-lined cocoon, you can book an intimate experience – a lunch or dinner, a team meeting, arrange an extra special decanting from one of the barrels or perhaps a whisky tasting with Spirits Master, Phil Smithers to take your occasion to the Next level.

Enquire here for bookings

Meet you at the Bar

Just in time for after work drinks and night-on-the town get togethers being back on the agenda, Spirits Master Phil Smithers has been preparing seasonal cocktails to get you in the mood. A La Madonna version of the Daiquiri ‘Strawberries & Different’ – featuring rum aged with charred capsicum, blended with ice and fresh strawberry – is anticipated to be the ‘it’ drink of the season; or toast la dolce vita over the new Limoncello Spritz that includes a bianco vermouth, prosecco and fennel seed. Find your spot at La Madonna’s bar (walk ins welcome) and its myriad spots for gathering with friends to start or end the evening – either in a quiet corner, perched at the bar or claim a chesterfield lounge.

La Famiglia Sunday Lunching

Gather your nearest and dearest and book a table for a Sunday lunch, with a La Madonna twist. Launching just in time for the end-of-year get togethers, ‘La Famiglia’ provides a relaxed approach – and price – for shared table feasting thanks to a newly created set menu inspired by traditional Sunday lunches of Chef

Danny Natoli’s past. Relaxed and plentiful, dishes are prepared with sharing from the centre of the table in mind and wines available by the carafe. Sound like your ideal way to celebrate?

• La Famiglia bookings now open, Sunday only. $65 pp Book here

Very merry dining

La Madonna chefs Danny Natoli and Adrian Li have created special menus for Christmas festivities. Expect the unexpected from a festive feast, with their signature blend of Italian and Hong Kong flavours that combines their heritage and love for creating memorable dining.

Perfect to take the stress of hosting family at home, bookings are now open to enjoy celebrations within the warm, sophisticated surrounds of La Madonna’s restaurant where bountiful seafood, signature dry aged Angus steak and a decadent dessert is on the menu.

Book your Christmas meal in Melbourne here:

• Christmas Eve Dinner $195pp
• Christmas Day Lunch $240 per adult / $130 per child 4-12)

Make a night of it…

Add an overnight stay (or two) at one of Australia’s best city hotel stays , and that wraps up the year that was in style. Make it a Suite Life stay to enjoy exclusive access to The Club’s retreat for complimentary continental breakfast, round the clock refreshments and aperitivo hour. Book here.