Overlooking the Ornamental Lake in Melbourne’s beloved Royal Botanic Gardens, The Terrace officially reopens it’s doors on Saturday 17th December, showcasing a reimagined event space and all day café. Behind the transformation is one of Melbourne’s leading hospitality groups, Darling Group (Top Paddock, Higher Ground, The Kettle Black, Dundas & Faussett, Darling Café, Bambu and Stringers).

Treasured by generations and those local and from further afield, The Terrace has been a prominent part of Melbourne’s culture and history for over 170 years. Having grown up in the local area, Darling Group’s Nick and Chris Seoud have always had a personal affinity with the location and jumped at the opportunity to transform the space for visitors old and new.

“The Royal Botanic Gardens is a location that's been ingrained in Melbourne's culture and history for generations. Having grown up nearby, my brother and I were lucky enough to walk through the gardens on our way home from school, often picking up a homemade scone from The Terrace café. I hold such fond memories of space so to be able to completely reimagine it and create a place for others to create their own memories is so exciting for us," says Nick Seoud, Director of Darling Group.

The Terrace is home to two separate spaces; a functions venue and an all-day café. Best known for its scones paired with a pot of berry jam and fresh cream, the kiosk has been reinvented as a conservatory-style café complete with indoor and outdoor seating for up to 234 people. Taking inspiration from the lush botanics surrounding it, the event space is ideal for weddings, parties, conferences, product launches and private functions. Both offer equally stunning views of the lake and a picturesque spot for all occassions.

With nods to Romanticicsm and a focus on botanical references throughout, Darling Group worked alongside leading Melbourne design practice Technē Architrcture & Interior Design (Garden State Hotel, Mammoth, Tonka) to bring their vision for The Terrace to life.

Darling Group Executive Chef Ash Hicks, Group Head Chef Chris Mitchell and The Terrace’s new Head Chef Dumendra Gampola (ex-Michelin star restaurant Brasserie Blanc, London) have come together to curate a menu for both The Terrace Café and The Terrace event space that champions the best of seasonal produce, matched with an impressive drinks list. Visitors can expect high quality ingredients with modern Australian cooking techniques and approachable dishes.

The Terrace Café has a brand new offering serving both takeaway and sit-down options, with a menu that features all the classics. For breakfast, expect a light, produce-lead menu that features the Terrace’s take on avocado tartine; chilli scrambled eggs on house-baked ciabatta; turkish style eggs on a bed of tahini yoghurt and roasted chorizo with aleppo pepper dressing; and the Darling Group’s signature blueberry and ricotta hotcakes – a fan favourite across the group’s other café venues. Lunch serves up a bountiful array of options including a botanic greens bowl and a Mediterranean ‘chop’ salad. There’s also a signature Terrace fattoush salad with sumac dressing, toasted pita and fragrant herbs and for something more substantial, dig into the cheeseburger & fries with the lot.

Freshly prepared baguettes, pastries, homemade scones and a selection of hot and cold drinks (including coffee made with the signature Darling blend) are also available to-go for those who prefer to enjoy a meal amongst the scenic surroundings of the lush Royal Botanic Gardens. Think club sandwiches and pinsa romana by the slice.

For picnic-goers, Terrace-To-Go boxes are the perfect choice for the ultimate lunch within the gardens. Inclusive of a sandwich or salad, juice and a choice of a sweet treat, simply pack your own blanket and The Terrace Café has the rest covered. For those passing through on their morning commute, coffee carts will soon operate at Gate A and Gate D, offering delicious Darling blend coffee to takeaway and sip on while strolling into work or around The Tan.

The Terrace Café boasts natural awenings with scallop edge detail and classic framing and tiled stone benchtops. Warm tones set the feel of the space, inviting guests into a botanical wonderland that pays homage to its surrounds, outfitted with a mix of comfortable upholstered chairs and curved cushions, perfect for settling in and taking in the views of the lake, the gardens and the city skyline beyond.

Outside, ample seating and tables under umbrellas next to the lake offers the perfect spot for a cold refreshment after a walk, or a spot to enjoy an afternoon spritz and homemade scones. Inspired by nature, the space offers a chic spot for a moment of respite with full table service available.

Onto The Terrace event space; with an impressive backdrop and spectacular views of the Ornamental Lake and city skyline, look to this unique space for any kind of event and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

A mix of contemporary infuences are present throughout The Terrace events space, including polished concrete floors contrasting with bold natural stones, tiled paving details, unique lighting features and gold detailing on textured walls. Upon walking into the space, guests see a feature 10-metre two-toned marble bar, designed to impress. A central skylight creates a focal point, drawing the eye up to a grand ceiling amongst the conservatory style fit out.

The Terrace event space can be rearranged to cater for different function types and sizes. For sit-down events of up to 150 guests, a selection of menu packages have been expertly curated with a variety of dishes to make every occassion uniquely special. For those that prefer to dance under the stars, look to a standing cocktail soirée for up to 300 guests.

The Terrace is the tenth venue in the Darling Group portfolio and with a rich history at its core, aims to bring people together to experience a Melbourne icon in one of the city’s most treasured locations.

 

The Terrace Café

Royal Botanic Gardens – Alexandra Avenue & Anderson Street, Melbourne VIC 3004. Best entrance via Gate A. Monday to Sunday, 8am – 4pm

Instagram: @theterracebotanicgardens

 

The Terrace (Event Space)

Royal Botanic Gardens – Alexandra Avenue & Anderson Street, Melbourne VIC 3004. Best entrance via Gate A. Available to book privately via events@theterrace.melbourne

Instagram: @theterracevents

 

Website: https://theterrace.melbourne/