Acclaimed restauranteur, entrepreneur Maurice Terzini, and experienced mixologist Joe Jones have teamed up to launch Purple Pit, the latest addition to the Melbourne bar and restaurant scene.
Purple Pit has taken inspiration from various luxury hotel bars from across Europe and has been designed to offer guests a unique experience specifically focused on flavour, skill, and expertise. Terzini and Jones were particularly inspired by Harry's Bar in Venice and Public Hotel in New York. An intimate and romantic ambience has been set for the cocktail bar, which is located beneath the iconic Queens and Collins building in the heart of Melbourne's CBD.
Purple Pit is expected to be a reflection of Jones's previous work from over the past ten years, with the integration of euro-centric cocktails and classic cocktail recipes.
Some of the menu's highlights include "Ticket to Ride," a half martini served with 90ml champagne straight from the freezer, with a caviar bump served on top of Kochu Creme Fraiche. The cocktail is served as a set on a silver tray to keep with the luxury theme. Another stand-out menu listing is the Emerald City, with jasmine spirit, lemon, sherry, and green apple soda.
In the kitchen, Purple Pit's culinary creations have been described as Champagne food by Terzini and have been specifically crafted to accumulate the perfect late-night bite with a focus on aperitivo.
The food menu features a range of simple yet sophisticated items, such as Calzone with alternate fillings, Tomato Tartare that has been brushed in shio kohi, which has developed a texture of dry-aged beef, and Tuna Loin, which pairs with a martini.
For the restaurant's interiors and design, the pair have collaborated with Latitude Group and Studio Massive to create a distinct contrast between overt luxury and brutalism textures. The dulcet acoustic and electronic music tones will be performed live in-house, with specialist nights like Martini and Techno or Jazz and Pinot nights planned.
Purple Pit is expected to open in early December.
