Thomas Olive joins Saint Crispin

Chefs Scott Pickett and Joe Grbac, owners of Collingwood's so-hot-right-now diner Saint Crispin, have had little time to put down their knives since being named The Age Good Food Guide Best New Restaurant 2014, so it's a mystery how they've managed to build a new upstairs bar.

Thomas Olive is named after the first tenant at 300 Smith Street, a bootmaker and cobbler. It retains some original 1850s features, including plaster ceiling roses and fireplaces. The bar will do double duty as a holding area for customers waiting for a table in the restaurant and as a standalone bar.

Thomas Olive launches on Friday and will be open Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm.