First look inside new East End Cellars bar in Norwood

One of the CBD’s most popular bars is expanding, with a new food-focused venue in Norwood – and one of the world’s most famous drinks. Take a look inside.

City bar and dining favourite East End Cellars is branching out with a second venue in the eastern suburbs.

The new food-focused eatery in the Norwood Green development on Magill Rd will bring the same East End Cellars vibes but showcase a more extensive menu described as “approachable bistro food”.

General manager and co-owner Mathieu Smeysters said everything from sandwiches to shared platters, large dishes and desserts will be available.

“The intention is to make our Norwood venue as much of a dining and night-out destination as a wine destination,” he said.

Highlights will include cumin lamb focaccia, crispy potato mille-feuille with raw beef and Murray codcaviar, steak frites and roasted Boston Bay porchetta.

Co-owner Mathieu Smeysters with head chef Josh Lansley at East End Cellars' new food-focused venue in Norwood Green. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

East End Cellars' new food focused venue in Norwood Green. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Executive chef Josh Lansley, previously of EEC with stints at Osteria Oggi and Press Food & Wine, said there will be something for all tastes.

“Our team likes the term ‘bistronomy’ – approachable bistro food; not overly complicated but delicious and made well,” he said.

East End Cellars' new food focused venue in Norwood Green. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Inside East End Cellars’ new venue in Norwood Green. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Inside East End Cellars’ new venue in Norwood Green. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Wine lovers will still be looked after, with a vast range of bottles at every price point, while the venue will also have the state’s first Krug Champagne Embassy.

“As well as hosting a list of exceptional and rare bottles in our collections, we’re incredibly proud of representing the best prestige Champagne house,” said co-owner Michael Andrewartha.

“We’ll have Krug by the glass available at all times.”

The original East End Cellars bottle shop, tasting room and restaurant was opened in Vardon Ave in January 1998 by Michael and Margie Andrewartha.

In 2014, they opened sister bar, Mother Vine, on the other side of Vardon Ave.

The couple co-own the Norwood venue with Andrew Nunn and Mr Smeysters.