Twenty Pho Seven brings round-the-clock Vietnamese soup to Melbourne

What's the lowdown?

New-wave Vietnamese pho and alcohol-infused bubble tea, available 24 hours a day in the middle of the city. Expect neon lights, exposed bricks, and a selection of 12 hearty pho soups (including vegan). The menu also covers classics such as rice-paper rolls, spring rolls and banh mi. Plus … puns!

Who's behind it?

Friends Thai Ho, Midawell Phal and George Do. Ho and Phal brought nightclub-running nous to their first restaurant, Hochi Mama, which opened in late 2015. "We grew up in Melbourne's Vietnamese community having pho for breakfast, lunch and dinner," says Ho. "When we were out late at night we always used to say, wouldn't it be great to get a bowl of pho at three or four in the morning? After doing Hochi Mama and the restaurant going very well we thought, why not? Let's be the first to bring a 24-hour pho restaurant to Australia."

Meanwhile, drinks manager Morgan Taua is taking the bubble tea idea and running with it. "We're going to infuse our own [bubble teas] with alcohol and make cocktails as well," he says. Also expect Vietnamese beer from 333 and Bia Hanoi, and local craft brews from Garage Project and 2 Brothers Kung Fu.

Why should you care?

Because Stalactites finally has some 24-hour competition. Plus these guys claim to be the first 24-hour pho restaurant in Australia. Go Melbourne!

If you only eat/drink one thing.

The pho, of course. "From combination chicken and beef, just beef, rare beef with beef balls, chicken, beef brisket, tendons and our vegan pho as well," says Ho. "It's going to be really cool."

Twenty Pho Seven opened 11am-11pm from December 9, and will open 24/7 from December 14.

138 Russell Street, Melbourne, twentyphoseven.com.au