Our Concierge Team
Heading to Chapel Street and want to shop where those with a passion for fashion get their look? Looking for a café in the city where your coffee choices include espresso, plunger, stovetop, cold-drip and siphon? Or have you heard about Brunswick Street in Fitzroy and want to be pointed to the coolest bars on the strip? Then let our In-The-Know Concierge Team guide you to the best places that Melbourne has to offer!
We are very proud to introduce our In-The-Know Concierge team – Chris Pappas, David Johnston and Matthew Candeland. They get out and about regularly, discovering the best of where to eat, drink, shop and be entertained in Melbourne. They won’t recommend anywhere they haven’t actually tried or liked themselves. After all, you might not have that much time in our great city, so their job is to make sure you can make the most of your time and enjoy the very best experiences that Melbourne has to offer.
Chief Concierge – Chris Pappas
Meet our Chief Concierge, Chris Pappas. Chris is a born and bred Melburnian who has been sharing his insight with our guests for over 8 years now. He truly knows his way around town and he is never happier than when sharing his incredible knowledge and passion with our guests. Spend some time with Chris and you'll fall under the spell of his infectious charm and understand why he received the 2009 Alfred Jasinski Excellence In Service Award – recognizing him as Melbourne’s best Concierge.
Over the years Chris has taken part in much of what Melbourne has to offer, although he still finds fantastic new cafes, restaurants, bars and attractions hidden around every corner. Some of Chris’ recent favourite Melbourne moments include dining on delicious modern Middle Eastern fare at MoMo Restaurant and Manchuria Bar – hidden away in Chinatown reminiscent of a sleek and sexy opium den serving Asian inspired cocktails. Although Chris can never go past a family day out at the Royal Melbourne Zoo.
Assistant Concierge – David Johnston
Our Assistant Concierge, David Johnston, is a relatively new arrival to Melbourne, but has quickly fallen in love with city in the 3 years since he moved from Bendigo.
David has spent his time diving into everything Melbourne offers and is still amazed that each day brings new discoveries in bars, restaurants and tourist attractions alike. Whilst his preferred recommendations include a visit to Queen Victoria Night Market during summer, or a tram ride along the multi-cultural stretch of Sydney Road with a must stop visit to El-Faihi Lebanese sweets, David also enjoys a spot of history at Melbourne Museum. For a fabulous dinner his personal favourite is the modern Italian fare at Il Bacaro on Little Collins St.
Assistant Concierge – Matthew Candeland
Matt is a true Melbourne boy and having traveled to every major city in Australia, he can safely say that Melbourne is his absolute favorite. He is very knowledgeable about Melbourne city and his friendly outgoing attitude is often commented on by guests.
One of Matt’s favorite things to do in Melbourne includes taking a stroll through one of the many city laneways. In particular, he loves the urban ‘artwork’ in laneways such as Union Lane, Hosier Lane and AC/DC Lane.
For a quick and tasty meal, Matt will direct you to Sette Bello on Hardware Lane, just a short walk from the hotel. Matt also enjoys heading to the ACMI at Federation Square for unique and modern art installations and the family friendly Screen Worlds. Matt’s favourite recent discovery would have to be Manchester Press – the bagels are fantastic and the coffee is like artwork, literally!
Having studied at the Victorian College of the Arts, Matt also takes a personal interest in Melbourne's theatre scene - whether it be large scale musicals such as Rock of Ages or intimate local theatre, if there is a show to see... he'll know about it.
Autumn & Winter Melbourne Recommendations
In Melbourne, we’re spoilt for choice; with incredible cafes, cosy bars, inspiring galleries, fabulous shopping and more – there is so much to do and see that you need never be idle. To help you navigate your way around town and to ensure you experience only the very best the city has to offer, our team has done all the research for you, so we asked them to share their favourite things about Melbourne in Autumn and Winter. Here’s what they had to say…
Favourite place to keep warm in the city?
Chris: The National Gallery of Victoria is a favourite among Melbournians to visit during Winter, it showcases some of the world’s most exquisite paintings from well-known artists. NGV also hosts a very popular Winter Masterpieces exhibition every year which focuses on either a specific artist or a collection of themed works -this year the focus is on Napoleon; Revolution to Empire.
Matt: In one of Melbourne’s famous theatres watching some of the best actors doing their thing on stage. For example getting to see Geoffrey Rush play Lady Bracknel in The Importance of Being Earnest. An absolutely fabulous show, one of the best I have ever seen.
David: Located in Chinatown in a laneway, off a laneway, up a set of inconspicuous stairs you’ll find Manchuria. A fantastic dimly lit Asian themed cocktail bar, with inviting alcoves and comfortable couches. The perfect spot to bunker down when it rains.
Favourite winter dish and where?
Chris: Nothing beats a warm, home-made soup during winter and you can't go past the original Soup Place - In A Rush at Centre Place. With a selection of 12 different soups, this little "blink and you'll miss it" cafe is sure to satisfy your appetite. From the classic Minestrone Soup to your more unique Moroccan and European influenced flavours, there's something for everyone.
Matt: Normally I’d recommend a hearty soup, stew or roast… but the corn fritters in our very own Soul Café are to-die-for!
David: The duck bistayeea at MoMo restaurant. Similar to a pie except flat, this ‘pie’ is filled with shredded duck slow cooked for 8 hours confit and baked in light crispy pastry - melt in your mouth amazing. Nothing better on a wintery evening!
Favourite autumn/winter activity?
Chris: A favourite past-time during winter is Ice Skating, and Melbourne has one of the best rinks in Australia - Icehouse! Grab a friend or take the family and enjoy a fun day on ice!!
Matt: Even though it’s a little bit cold, going for a bike ride down St Kilda Road, and watching as the leaves change colour and then fall from the big Plane Trees.
David: Heading to the MCG to watch a game of Aussie rules football - a quintessential Melbourne experience.
The best vantage point to watch a Melbourne storm?
Chris: Nestled 236 metres above ground, up on the 55th floor of the Rialto Building, The Lui Bar is probably the best place to appreciate Melbourne's temperamental winter weather. Open everyday of the week, sit back on the comfy couches, order yourself a scotch on the rocks and take in some of the most spectacular views of Melbourne. Run by the team behind the very successful and award winning Vue De Monde restaurant.
Matt: The higher the better I say, so Eureka Tower. Although when I was growing up living in the family home I enjoyed listening to the rain on the tin roof. Unfortunately I have not yet found something similar in Melbourne however sitting in Captains of Industry with a cafe latte watching the rain pour down on Elizabeth Street has a similar therapeutic feel.
David: Drinking an international or boutique beer, and taking up a seat at Transport Hotel overlooking the Yarra River as the storm rolls in across the city, and if I’m feeling a bit hungry during all of my storm watching I’ll head upstairs to Taxi Dining Room.
Favourite beverage to keep you warm and where?
Chris: The Long Room on Collins Street is a popular bar and a favourite hangout for drinks after work. Enjoy the plush surroundings, reminiscent of a New York bar, while sipping on a chili-choc martini to keep you warm during the cold night and days!
Matt: An apple martini at Transit Lounge will definitely take the chill out of the bones… very cinnamoni - just like an apple pie!
David: A wonderfully decadent cinnamon flavoured Belgian hot chocolate, while hiding away in Koko Black in one of Melbourne’s beautifully restored historic laneways – the Royal Arcade.
3 reasons why Melbourne is better than Sydney.
Chris:
1. You can watch a footy match at one of the best arena's in Australia, the MCG!
2. Our historical and unique laneways and arcades. Definitely worth a visit.
3. We have trams.... The best way to venture out and see our marvelous city!
Matt:
1. Touring the city streets while drinking and eating on the Tram Car restaurant
2. Melbourne’s vibrant and exciting theatre scene
3. And us, your wonderful In The Know concierge team.
David:
1. Our food culture is second to none in Australia with vibrant, multi cultural and eclectic restaurants on every corner.
2. Bars, bars… and more bars; hidden in every laneway or on top of every rooftop is an amazing bar waiting for you to find it!
3. Chapel St, Bridge Rd, Brunswick St, Smith St, Sydney Rd & Greville St… we easily have the best shopping in the country.
