Hotel group Standard International, famed for edgy, arty hotels in locations like Miami, Ibiza and NYC’s East Village, ha chosen Fitzroy as the launch site for its new brand, The StandardX. Positioning itself as the rebellious younger sibling”, the StandardX Melbourne combines similarly stylish vibes with a low price point, achieved via the compact dimensions and cool, crisp minimalism of its 125 rooms that feature king-sized beds, Bluetooth speakers and covetable hoodie bathrobes.
The lobby of the eight-storey, rusted steel-clad building is an open, loft-like masterpiece featuring sculptural macramé hangings and artwork from local makers, an open fireplace and a beautifully textured palate that ranges from nougat terrazzo floors to ochre upholstered banquettes, rattan ceilings and lush plants. Besides the front desk, the space features The Box, a 24-hour shop that acts as a defacto minibar for guests (everything from gin, wine and snacks to art books and branded bucket hats), a bar and a breakfast-to-dinner Thai restaurant called Bang. There’s a gusts-only rooftop (which features a Mexican-inspired kitchen) with uninterrupted views over Fitzroy. Outside the hotel’s translucent red revolving front door, the gritty neighbourhood serves up an unbeatable combination of art, music, fashion and dining, In a city surprisingly light on modern boutique hotels, StandardX Melbourne is an extremely welcome addition to the accommodation landscape and a confident start for the new brand.
Where to eat in Fitzroy
Breakfast at Bang inside the StandardX is a highlight. A cuisine-fluid affair that offers dumplings, mango sticky rice, congee and a crab and red curry sauce omelette alongside pastries, granola, the full eggs and bacon shebang, and top-notch coffee. Those in search of the classic Fitzroy atmosphere should stroll up Brunswick Street to Marios, the OG of Melbourne’s café scene and pioneer of the all-day brekkie.
Fitzroy is where famed chef Andrew McConnell opened his first restaurant and he’s still an influential presence in the suburb. Marion, his elegantly relaxed wine bar on Gertrude Street is a perfect place to suss out McConnell’s appeal over excellent osiers, mussels or steak. Another Fitzroy classic is Napier Quarter, a pint-sized all-day wine and espresso bar in a leafy backstreet dishing up deft simplicity, perhaps soft-boiled eggs served with asparagus and salmon roe or crab and saffron pasta.
Lovers of vibrant Indian food and cocktails should head to Toddy Shop where Mischa Tropp (this year’s winner of Gourmet Traveller‘s Best New Talent Award) focuses on the food of Kerala, while blocks away, backstreet gem Carnation Canteen, teams pared-back Euro-style dishes with a short, sharp wine list and cool Fitzroy style.
Where to drink in Fitzroy
Fitzroy is home to some of the finest bars in Melbourne, including the 1920s speakeasy vibes and classic cocktails stylings of The Everleigh and the award-winning cocktail-making genius of Black Pearl.
What to do in Fitzroy
Gertrude Street is essential for anyone wanting to understand what makes Fitzroy tick, offering an unbeatable combination of shopping (from vinyl, cosmetics and art to clothing, lighting and furniture), dining and drinking (sake bars, fine-diners, Italian bistros, spruced-up pubs tapas bars), plus a smattering of live music venues, tattoo artists and barbers.
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