Top venues and chefs unite for pizza and cocktail-themed bushfire fundraiser

Some of Australia's best chefs and venues will combine their formidable forces at Fitzroy's Everleigh bar on Monday 13th January to raise for the ongoing bushfire crisis, with all proceeds going to the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery.

Michael and Zara Madrusan, of Made in the Shade hospitality group, have rallied 16 bars and top chefs Ben Shewry, Andrew McConnell and Pete Gunn for the Bar Bushfire Shake-Up, with proceeds to support with emergency assistance, first aid and support to communities affected by the bushfires.

Zara said "We spent the Christmas break, as so many did, thinking about what we could do to contribute to the relief effort. The hospitality industry is fantastic at working together to get things done, and we're all used to moving fast." Michael added "I reached out to hospitality owner friends with the initial idea and within minutes we had 16 venues confirmed."

Melbourne's participating venues who will join Made in the Shade's The Everleigh, Bar Margaux and Heartbreaker, include Byrdi, Eau de Vie, Black Pearl, Above Board, Capitano, Bar Liberty, Whisky & Alement, The Elysian Whisky Bar, Bad Frankie, Union Electric, Fancy Free and The Lincoln. The team behind Carlton institution, The Beaufort (which is now closed) will make a comeback, especially for the cause.

Connie's Pizza (the New York slice joint found inside Heartbreaker) will station a food truck outside The Everleigh, slinging slices all night. Ben Shewry of Attica, Pete Gunn of Ides, and Andrew McConnell of Trader House Restaurants will each design their own slice for the evening, selling at $10 a (very large) slice.

Hosted across The Everleigh's main bar and private room, The Elk Room, the 'Bar Bushfire Shake-Up' will see two venues pop up for one hour at a time, side-by-side, shaking up their signature cocktails for only $15 each.

There will also be a live auction, with many of Melbourne's venues donating experiences, all up for grabs. Examples include a five course seasonal tasting menu for two at Byrdi (valued at $250), a Gold MADE Membership - a 12-month membership to Made in the Shade venues (valued at $350), as well a Secret staff party at Fancy Free for the winner and their venue staff (up to 20 people) including the Full Fancy free experience, custom menus, cocktails and fun valued at $3,000.

The 'Bar Bushfire Shake-Up' event will run from 7pm – 11pm on Monday 13th January and all proceeds will go directly to the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery.

Entry fee to The Everleigh will be $20 and payment over the bar will be on card only. No bookings required.

The Everleigh, Level 1, 150-156 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne