Chef Sean McConnell to leave Monster, Ian Curley to join

It's official. Monster, the restaurant and bar at the boutique Hotel Hotel, is losing executive chef Sean McConnell in October. But not for long. McConnell and partner Jenny will be opening their own all-day restaurant, wine bar and bottle shop in November.

Rebel Rebel will take over the old TwentyOne cafe site in Civic, with designer Sam Rice who worked on Melbourne's Gazi and the Press Club shaping the venue. The thrust, says McConnell will be "share plates with a European lean".

Back at Monster, McConnell's head chef of four years, Dan Flatt, will be taking the role as executive chef, while Melbourne chef-restaurateur Ian Curley (French Saloon, Kirk's) has been appointed as culinary director for the Ovolo hotel group.

In Canberra, Curley says his role will be largely one of oversight as "Flatt will be the man on the ground."

Rebel Rebel is slated to open in November at shop 1, 21-23 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra.