Wine bar South Press to open in South Yarra

The stretch of Toorak Road between Punt Road and Caroline Street is gaining culinary momentum.

Chef Dennis Hagger opened 25 Toorak Road in June, a few doors down from 29-year veterans France-Soir, and next month Hopkins River Beef business partners Adam North and David Maconochie​, along with front-of-house pro Marty McCaig​, hope to open South Press at No. 27.

"We are locals and want somewhere local to drink," says North, a part-owner of South Yarra steakhouse Entrecote. McCaig manages the Domain Road restaurant and South Press is his first gig as a part-owner.

South Press will primarily be a bar, with charcuterie and cheese plates to support the wine and cocktail lists.

"It will be somewhere for a drink and a light bite but there will be enough on the menu to have a lunch or dinner," says North.

Wine will also be available to take away.

North is experimenting with spice combinations to create a Hopkins River jerky, which he hopes to serve with other products from the Dunkeld-based beef business.

They are completely refurbishing the former furniture store with a Schmick fitout by North Melbourne architects Russell & George and will make use of the leafy north-facing rear courtyard.

They expect to open South Press at 27 Toorak Road, South Yarra, by late November.