Just Open: Meatworks, South Melbourne

Who knew that an industrial engineering degree would come in handy in the hospitality industry? But that's exactly what Lindsay Jones-Evans drew on to hand-build a 450-kilogram wood smoker in his new 100-seat restaurant Meatworks in South Melbourne.

He's turned the former garage into a light-filled, airy space with an industrial edge, thanks to concrete floors, exposed brickwork and worn woods. His business experience will no doubt help too – he and his family built the Jones the Grocer empire and ran The Victoria Room, serving high tea and cocktails in Sydney for 10 years before it closed in May.

At Meatworks, Jones-Evans has brought in chef Travis Watson to deliver a menu that's all about braising, roasting and smoking meats – lamb, pork, beef and chicken sourced from around Victoria. There will also be a seafood and vegetarian menu.

Jones-Evans doesn't want to pigeonhole the menu to any particular cuisine. "It's no frills, quality food that's inexpensive and approachable," he says. It will also serve house-label wines as well as a list based on Australian wines and spirits.

Open Mon–Fri 11am–4pm. There are plans to extend the opening hours in February.

28-30 Ross Street, South Melbourne, 03 9041 5727