Shannon Bennett's Three-Month Kitchen Comeback at Fitzroy’s StandardX
He’s been off the pans for eight years, but Shannon Bennett is back and he’s chosen Fitzroy as his proving ground. From 23 July to 15 October, the acclaimed chef will headline a three-month pop-up at The StandardX, Melbourne’s new design hotel that’s anything but standard.
The StandardX, Melbourne
Set just off Brunswick Street, The StandardX is the younger, more rebellious sibling of the global hotel brand that started in LA. Think concrete brutalism softened with retro tones, Studio 54 energy in the bar, and a clientele that looks like they know where to get a good bagel at 3am. It's a fitting home for Bennett’s return: polished but edgy, with just the right amount of chaos.
The concept? A neighbourhood bistro, but with Bennett’s sharp, obsessive approach. You’ll see him behind the pass, backed by a tight crew of top-tier talent including Cory Campbell (named Cuisine’s Chef of the Year), Ryan Henley (who led Christchurch’s Pescatore to two hats), and Master Sommelier Carlos Simoes Santos — one of just 260 globally with the title. On the floor, industry veteran Steven Kirkpatrick brings the same finesse, steering service that’s smart without being stuffy.
But don’t expect white tablecloths and tweezer food. The menu is all about seasonal, approachable fare done exceptionally well. Handmade pastas, breads from scratch, and a weekly rotating steak sourced from local Victorian producers form the backbone of the offering. It's the kind of place you can bring a date, your dad, or a midweek appetite that demands something proper.
“I’m excited to be back in Melbourne, doing what I love with people I trust,” Bennett says. “This is about being part of the neighbourhood again and building something that lasts, even if it’s just for a little while.”
In true Fitzroy fashion, the menu won’t sit still. Guest feedback will shape the dishes week to week, with a strong emphasis on produce at its peak. It's a living, breathing thing less set menu, more shared moodboard. Simoes Santos is handling the wine list, which will stay fluid too. Expect rotating pours by the glass, with no encyclopaedia required to understand what’s in your glass.
While Bennett’s name is on the door, this isn’t a solo act. The pop-up also doubles as a mentorship playground for the next gen of chefs, with the team focused on fostering talent in a hands-on, fast-paced setting that still knows how to have fun.
He’s been off the pans for eight years, but Shannon Bennett is back and he’s chosen Fitzroy as his proving ground. From 23 July to 15 October, the acclaimed chef will headline a three-month pop-up at The StandardX, Melbourne’s new design hotel that’s anything but standard.