Meet “HER”

An entire CBD building dedicated to some of Melbourne’s greatest loves – dining, immersive art and a vinyl soundtrack – will soon open to the public at 270 Lonsdale St on February 2. 

Established by HQ Group, the team behind Arbory and Arbory Afloat on the north bank of the Yarra River, HER is touted as a “wonderland of modern classic food, sophisticated drinks, art and music”. 

Located across four levels of a Federation building, which has undergone an extensive renovation, the name “HER” derives from the feminine architectural features of the building and speaks to the building’s context and its curious history. 

HQ Group has partnered with leading architects and designers JCB and Tamsin Johnson to create four distinct venues within the building, which include: 

• Ground floor – HER BAR. For cocktail-drinking, with chic, Parisian-inspired interiors, it features soaring woven cane ceilings and leather banquettes, while a 10-metre painting of colour and movement by local artist Eleanor Louise Butt sits above the long, zinc-covered bar, with more artworks coordinated by Lily Mora (Sunday Salon) in Salon Hangs on the walls.
• Level one – Music Room. A level dedicated to the love of sound inspired by the listening bars of Japan and Europe. With its American walnut-panelled walls mimicking a speaker box, and a bespoke sound system and console showcasing three turntables, the room is complete with a wall of vinyl records curated by local artist, DJ JNett. 
• Level three – BKK. A Thai BBQ canteen led by head chef Sungeun Mo and HQ Group’s executive chef Nick Bennett. Inspired by the night markets of Thailand, BKK has a stripped back interior – terracotta walls and exposed brick – to complement its fiery kitchen. 
• Rooftop – HER ROOFTOP. With inspiring cityscape views overlooking some of the CBD’s most stunning heritage icons, the rooftop space is inspired by the European garden party, with playful interiors, fun drinks and food from the BKK menu. 

HQ Group’s marketing director Georgie Larkins said HER would provide the CBD with a trove of new experiences. 

“This project has involved so many creatives, people who love what they do, whether they express themselves visually, in design or in music, or make superb food or cocktails – and all in the one place. The result is HER; a fun and gorgeous place to spend your time with friends. We think it’s pretty special,” she said •

For more information: her.melbourne