Chef Stuart McVeigh, who finished as head chef of No.35 in the Sofitel at the end of 2012, opens his own business this Thursday at 169 Union Road, Ascot Vale.

With Union Food & Wine (not to be confused with Richmond's Union Dining), McVeigh and his wife, Katrina, want to be part of their community. "We’ve lived here for 11 years," McVeigh says, adding that they also want to give the area a "good neighbourhood bistro".

The former cafe space has 40 seats downstairs and a private dining room upstairs for 16.

Union Food & Wine will be open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday to Sunday and dinner Thursday to Saturday.