Following on from the January 17 fire that destroyed Van Haandel Group’s Stokehouse restaurant on St Kilda beach, the group will temporarily re-open in the Hotel Comme site under the name Stokehouse City.

Group owner Frank van Haandel said, “The impact that the fire has had on the Group has forced us to make some extremely tough decisions and it is incredibly sad to say goodbye to the amazing team at Comme and we wish to thank them for their contribution and hard work. Under these exceptional circumstances, I believe that this is the best way forward and we are excited to bring Stokehouse to the city.”

Stokehouse City will open in mid-May 2014 and will reflect Stokehouse St Kilda’s original offerings including the differing upstairs and downstairs menus.
Once home to Mietta’s Restaurant, the upstairs area will be converted into relaxed fine dining and the ground floor will be transformed into a new Stokehouse City bar and eatery. All spaces will be available for private and corporate event bookings.

Van Haandel Group general manager Anthony Musarra said, “This is a great opportunity to be able to bring a taste of the Stokehouse to the City and an exciting challenge to re-work the interior of Comme, to reference the energy and style of the Stokehouse.”

Melbourne designers Pascale Gomes Mcnabb will rework the interiors to reflect the new direction.
Hotel Comme will close on April 20.