Old-School Italian Meets New-School Italian at Hardware Club
In the 1920’s, Melbourne was about 1/7 of the size that it is now. Hardware Lane was not yet a stomping ground for tourists, but a destination for local hardware merchants in need of a post-work bite or bevvie.
The Hardware Club
It was during this era that the upstairs venue located at 43 Hardware Lane first launched as a social club serving its neighbouring workers. The space has evolved since then, most recently housing Ciao Pizza Napoli, which served classic Italian eats to a loyal group of regulars for over 30 years.
But October 30 marked a new chapter for 43 Hardware Lane with the launch of the Hardware Club, the newest venue to enter the space. The Hardware Club, owned by Nicola Dusi and Andrea Ceriani, pays homage to both its recent predecessor as well as its original form as the 1920’s social club.
This can be seen through the interior, which merges the colour schemes and decor of traditional Italian trattorias with contemporary prints and mid-century light fixtures. The menu also fuses old and the new, classic and innovative, as do many other Italian restaurants in Melbourne.
Yet the Hardware Club is different, as Dusi and Ceriani took former customer suggestions on board when developing their menu - which is not common industry practice by any means. The goal was to include dishes familiar enough to appease Ciao Pizza Napoli’s cult followers but also refresh what came before it.
Their research resulted in a menu that can be shared but doesn’t need to be, with mains hovering around $24 - $34 and plenty of sides and snacks to fill out the table. There's bolognese and Margherita pizza and chicken schnitzel to appease traditionalists, but also mozzarella en carozza (i.e. crumbed cheese jaffles) and fried sweet and sour sardines and dinner plate-sized wheel of sausage for those seeking something different.
While the bar at 43 Hardware Lane was formerly located in the back of the venue, Dusi and Ceriani moved it to the front for easy access and to appeal to those stopping in for a quick drink. Beverage options include a selection of Italian and Australian wines and beers plus classic Italian cocktails.
The Hardware Club is now open for lunch, dinner and drinks daily.
In the 1920’s, Melbourne was about 1/7 of the size that it is now. Hardware Lane was not yet a stomping ground for tourists, but a destination for local hardware merchants in need of a post-work bite or bevvie.
