This extravagant Eurocentic bistro is always busy – now it’s giving you access to members-only tables. 

 

Nothing quite embodies old-world elegance like Scott Pickett’s Chancery Lane, located within a heritage-listed CBD building. The first thing you’ll notice is the lavish furnishings: a sleek deep-green marble bar, dramatic arched windows and candelabras all throughout. And tucked in a wall cavity that was once a safe, there’s a floor-to-ceiling cellar filled with top-shelf drops.

 

Though it may sound surprising, Chancery Lane is also known for having one of the most stunning powder rooms in Melbourne. It’s just as opulent as the dining room, with antique brass fixtures, a marble sink and gold detailing all along the walls.

 

The food is inspired by Parisian neighbourhood bistros but isn’t limited to French cuisine. There’s exquisite seafood – including Southern rock oysters, prawn cocktails, and scallops – and two choices of caviar, with buckwheat blini and classic condiments, by the gram or the tin.

 

Our top picks from the menu are the cauliflower, truffle and comté croquettes; the dry-aged Loddon Estate duck served with duck, apple and witlof; and the vanilla bavarois with lemon myrtle to finish. 

 

If you’re celebrating, consider asking the sommelier for a special back-vintage wine (they’ve been sourced through Pickett’s friends, so you know they’ll be excellent).

 

Every day of the week, Chancery Lane is giving us access to tables that have previously been unbookable by the public, and for the first time have been made available through Broadsheet Access.

 

Get a table for two at 12pm from Tuesday to Friday or 6pm from Monday to Saturday.

 

You can book 30 days in advance of your desired booking date (with a minimum of two days prior).

 

Check out our other tables at Scott Pickett Group’s Smith St Bistrot, Matilda, and Estelle.