Andrew McConnell to open new venue in Melbourne's Russell Street

Six weeks ago, Andrew McConnell declared he didn't have any new restaurant projects on the go. But offered the ground floor of 1920s-era Cavendish House in Russell Street, he couldn't resist.

McConnell describes the 384-square-metre space, on the corner of Russell Street and Flinders Lane, as one of Melbourne's most beautiful rooms.

"Opportunities like this are a rare find and when they come along it is really exciting. The room deserves to to be celebrated."

Cavendish House, built in the mid-1920s in the Chicagoesque architectural style, lies between McConnell's existing Flinders Lane businesses, Supernormal and Cumulus Inc.

The Good Food recipe columnist has not yet decided on a concept for the former Bang and Olufsen site, but it is expected to be a high-end venue that will not be based on any of his current venues.

He signed the lease on Tuesday before flying out for the Los Angeles Times' festival LA Food Bowl, where he'll be teaming up with West Hollywood fusion restaurant EP & LP on a Supernormal-based menu and speaking on a panel about the influence of the Australian food culture on the global dining scene.

McConnell hopes to open the doors at 33 Russell Street, Melbourne, by the end of the year.