In an Old Hawthorn Motor Garage, Demons Captain Max Gawn Opens a Handsome New Wine Bar and Bistro

A heritage-listed 1912 motor garage on Glenferrie Road in Hawthorn has been souped up. It’s now a 120-seat wine bar and bistro called, appropriately, Motor.

Melbourne Demons captain Max Gawn is at helm of the European-inspired spot, alongside business partners Rich Donovan and Craig Tate (with whom he also owns nearby wine bar East End) and Matt Jones.

The team has leant into the history of the space through the name and design, keeping the original curved brick facade. But new touches, like the black-and-white chequered flooring and custom woodfired oven are a nod to European-style bistros.

“The beauty of the space is there’s a little pocket for everyone,” Tate tells Broadsheet. Pull up a stool at the U-shaped bar for snacks and spritzes, slink into a comfortable leather booth for dinner, or head outside to the courtyard for a long afternoon of drinks in the sun. Or – if you’re looking for something slightly more intimate – tuck yourself away in the dimly lit private dining room at the American walnut table with fluted-glass walls.

In the kitchen, it’s all about stripped-back, woodfired cooking. “We love the generous European way of dining, old-school bistro style, but with a modern flair,” says Tate. There’s anchovy toast with cultured butter and shallots; charred hispi cabbage with curry-leaf butter and cashews; and a roasted half chook with rich sauce chasseur.

Wine-wise, there’s a 300-strong list entitled “Fuel” that Tate says isn’t driven by trends. “Instead, we look for lasting quality.” Find everything from exciting up-and-coming regional Australian producers to Burgundy classics, plus barrel-aged Negronis.

Motor
735 Glenferrie Road Hawthorn

Hours:
Tue to Thu 4pm–10.30pm
Fri 12pm–1am
Sat 3pm–1am

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