In 2020, Neil Perry sent shockwaves through the culinary world by announcing his retirement after 40 years in the kitchen.
As the culinary director and ambassador for the Rockpool Dining Group, it seemed the chef – who gave us hatted icons like Rockpool Bar and Grill, Spice Temple, and Rosetta – was finally hanging up his apron for good. But Perry had other plans brewing. Enter a quintessential neighbourhood dining experience in Double Bay that grew into a village empire. And now, he's got Richmond in his crosshairs.
Perry launched Margaret in 2021 on a prime corner in Double Bay, partnering with Fortis, who owned the building and had their headquarters above. “When the Fortis team showed me the site, I knew straight away that I was going to roll the dice again in my restaurant career.” With park views, outdoor dining, and cosy blankets evoking Italian street scenes, Margaret ignited a culinary revolution, transforming the sleepy village into a coveted food destination.
The collaboration with Fortis didn’t stop there. Since then, Perry has launched Next Door (yes, literally next to Margaret), collaborated with Mike and Maria Russell to debut Sydney’s first Baker Blue, and will soon be opening yet another two restaurants in the coming months. Songbird, a multi-level Asian restaurant, and Bobbies, a subterranean speakeasy cocktail bar, are set to elevate the Fortis projects even further, creating upscale and exciting destinations.
Richmond Square in Richmond, Melbourne is one of these destinations. When asked about his hospitality experience in Melbourne, Perry shared his insights on the city’s diverse food culture. “Melbourne stands out with its incredibly diverse food offerings, featuring a wide array of bars and restaurants, both small and large. Dining and drinking are integral to Melbourne’s culture. The city has a deep love for food, community, and a sense of genuine ownership. Engaging the entire community is crucial because becoming part of the community is vital for Melbourne.”
At Richmond Square, this passion for food will once again be reflected in the development of a precinct that blends lifestyle, retail and dining with local vibrancy. A new meeting place for the locals. A new destination for Melbourne ignited by Fortis and Neil Perry.
