Pentridge's Former Mess Hall Reimagined for Modern Day Dining
COBURG, VICTORIA: The historic Pentridge Prison site in Coburg welcomes its latest destination dining venue, North & Common, opening 10 May. Set in the former Pentridge prison’s mess hall, adjacent to its iconic Clocktower gate, North & Common has been reimagined into a cosy, fire-lit restaurant, seating 180 guests inside and out.
A haven for good food and good company, North & Common is set to become a new northside neighbourhood favourite with its warm, welcoming interiors showcasing original bluestone walls and 10-metre-high ceilings, complete with restored cross timbers – a perfect backdrop for Chef Mark Glenn’s produce-driven menu.
Boasting an impressive resume including the likes of Cumulus Inc, Dinner by Heston, and most recently Pialligo Estate & Smokehouse’s hatted Pavilion Restaurant, Mark is excited to return home to Melbourne and lead the kitchen at North & Common and sister venue, Olivine.
Simple, but thoughtful food. Chef Mark Glenn will draw upon his network of local suppliers at North & Common.
“Neighbourhood restaurants are the beating heart of a close-knit community – they’re free of pretension and welcoming for everyone - and that’s what we’ll be bringing to Melbourne's north,” Mark said. “In that respect, our menu is approachable and will showcase simple, yet thoughtful dishes, highlighting outstanding local suppliers and the quality of their produce.”
“The menu will be ever evolving, and largely based on what local suppliers, fresh food markets (and beyond) have available.”
Diners can expect spanner crab risoni; grilled ox tongue and cashew cream; black barley and pine mushroom; or calamari with paprika dressing, paired with an impressive wine list curated by one of Australia’s most exciting Sommeliers, Liinaa Berry, from neighbouring wine bar, Olivine.
Showcasing 150 labels from Australian and international produces, the wine list features light and playful wines alongside aromatic and richer expressions. Sustainable producers practicing ethical viticulture are also highlighted.
Local spirits like Starward Whisky, Three Foxes Vodka and Patient Wolf Gin feature on the crafty menu, whilst the venue’s tequila, rosemary, and thyme sour or truffle & sundried tomato martini are sure to be favourites.
Designed by leading Australian designers, CHADA, North & Common’s interiors pay homage to the history of the site, whilst the outdoor alfresco area boasts a symphony of colours, textures, and patterns inspired by the red accent colours on neighbouring prison cells. Moroccan porcelain tiles, polished white stone countertops and splashes of green and brass married with historic features. A large fireplace and retractable roof cater to Melbourne’s often changeable weather conditions.
In speaking about the venue, Chef Mark said he was excited to bring an elevated neighbourhood dining offering to the Coburg community and Melbourne’s north as there was nothing quite like it in the area.
Both Glenn and Berry are also looking forward to collaborating on a series of food and wine events in the coming months.
North & Common is the latest tenant in Pentridge’s $1b Heritage-listed dining and entertainment precinct, joining the Adina Apartment Hotel Pentridge Melbourne, Olivine, BrewDog, The Boot Factory and Palace Cinema.
Ends.
NORTH & COMMON FAST FACTS:
Opening: 10 May 2023
Address: 1 Pentridge Boulevard, Coburg, Victoria. Parking is available onsite.
Open: Saturday and Sunday for Breakfast from 7am – 10am followed by lunch, and Tuesday to Saturday for dinner from 5.30pm - 11pm.
Website: www.northandCommon.com.au
Instagram: @northandcommon
High-res images available here
EDITOR’S NOTES:
Pentridge Pledge of Respect
MORE ABOUT PENTRIDGE PRECINCT:
Pentridge Precinct: https://pentridgecoburg.com.au/our-story
North & Common: www.northandCommon.com.au
Adina Pentridge Melbourne: www.adinahotels.com/en/apartments/pentridge-melbourne
Olivine: www.olivinewinebar.com.au
Chapter Place: chapterplace.com.au
The Interlude: www.theinterlude.com.au (coming soon)
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jessica Wood (TFE Hotels PR Executive)
[email protected] | +61 0437 242 034
Jodi Clark (TFE Hotels Director of Communications)
[email protected] | +61 499 900 658
WHO ARE TFE HOTELS?
TFE Hotels (TOGA Far East Hotels) is Australia’s International Hotel Group - headquartered in Sydney and operating in Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Denmark, Hungary, Austria, Singapore, and Switzerland. TFE has a portfolio of seven hotel brands - A by Adina, Adina Hotels, Vibe Hotels, Quincy Hotels, Travelodge Hotels, Rendezvous Hotels and Collection by TFE Hotels, with more in the development pipeline.
TFE Hotels acknowledges the traditional owners of the lands we conduct business upon and pays our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We respect the Country itself, including its trees, animals, spirits, waters, skies, stars, and special sites.