Half Acre, a design-led eatery, bar and event space, has opened its doors in South Melbourne.

Named after the size of the land it occupies, Half Acre is located in old mill dating back to the 1900s, which has been transformed into a mixed-use industrial venue.

The eatery is set in a glasshouse-style space and includes indoor and outdoor seating, while the old mill is home to the event space, featuring restored timber, brick walls and exposed trestles.

Run by Melbourne catering company food&desire, the event space can booked for corporate events, and will also play host to in-house market days, theatre events, collaborations and masterclasses.

Owners Adam Wright-Smith (ex-Fat Radish, Slikstone NYC), Leigh Worcester and Asaf Smoli (food&desire) found the space whilst driving past one day.

“We wanted Half Acre to be a really comfortable place for people to enjoy through the food, design and service but above all, the atmosphere,” says Wright-Smith.

“We’ve used experience from our past as well as being inspired by those who are creating unique spaces and experiences in regional areas such as upstate New York, Stockholm and London.”

Half Acre can cater to seated events for up to 264 guests, as well as cocktail- and theatre-style events of up to 400 pax.

The venue has worked with florist Michael Strownix to create an urban sanctuary with greenery, native ferns and wisteria, giving the space a cottage-like vibe.

Head chef Eitan Doron has created the menu, which is designed for sharing and focuses on seasonal Australian produce cooked over wood-fire coals.