Gerald's Bar is opening in a new Lygon Street location in Carlton North.
After closing its Rathdowne Street doors this week after almost 20 years in that particular Carlton North spot, beloved wine bar Gerald’s Bar is making a serious Lygon Street change.
Gerald’s Bar will reopen at the former Enoteca Sileno site on Lygon Street, bringing three distinct spaces and a chef with impressive credentials to the neighbourhood.
Gerald’s Bar has been pouring wine in Carlton North since 2006, when owners Gerald Diffey and Mario Di Ienno first opened on Rathdowne Village. Nearly two decades later, the duo announced the move in March this year, trading their cosy digs for a much larger premises that can accommodate a dining room, bar area and private dining and events space.
Gerald’s Bar – Carlton North
- New location opens Wednesday 19 November, from 4pm
- 920 Lygon Street, Carlton North
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Matt Podbury comes from hatted Geelong bistro La Cachette, where he was chef-owner, and brings classical French training from stints at Michelin-starred Lyle’s in London, Captain Moonlite in Anglesea and Smith St Bistrot in Collingwood.
Podbury will oversee all three areas, applying his French technique across the expanded operation.
Expect classical cooking with bold ideas in a space that’s worlds away from the original intimate wine bar. Podbury’s background suggests a menu that respects French fundamentals while pushing into more adventurous territory. His time at Lyle’s, one of London’s most acclaimed restaurants, combined with his work at beloved local spots like Smith St Bistrot, means he knows how to balance technique with approachability.
For regulars who’ve been visiting Gerald’s Bar for years, the move marks a new chapter for one of Carlton North’s most consistent wine destinations. Diffey and Di Ienno have built a reputation over nearly 20 years for their carefully curated wine list and welcoming atmosphere. Now they’re scaling up without losing what made the original special.
For more information, head here.
