TJ and Kim Peabody are old hands at hospitality, having owned and operated popular eateries Nantucket Kitchen & Bar and NKB Express for a few years. Seeking to shake up their portfolio and add a sophisticated touch to the Valley, the duo has recently opened Nickel Kitchen & Bar at the base of 757 Ann Street – a lavishly decorated and spacious destination that taps into a classic style reminiscent of Chicago gin bars. The idea for Nickel was born from TJ’s desire to tap into a bygone era of dining, where sophistication and class could be combined with modern twists, catering to high-powered business lunches, intimate nights out, weekend brunching and wild blow outs. The interior boasts bespoke touches such as leather booths, pressed metal and dark timber finishes as well as an impressive bar filled with shelves upon shelves of fine spirits and good wine. The most eye-catching element of the fit out is the awe-inspiring chandelier made entirely out of wine glasses, which casts a warm glow throughout the space.

Nantucket Kitchen and Bar’s executive chef Chris Sell has helped create a menu of classic dishes – hearty fare that will be a step back in time for many, but with a few contemporary twists. Steak Dianne, Barossa valley chicken kiev, confit duck leg a l’orange, oysters, Tajima 100 percent full blood wagyu sirloins and wild mushroom tagliatelle are some of the sumptuous options for lunch and dinner. Come early for brunch on Saturday and Sunday and be treated to chicken and waffles, Boudin blanc and eggs and grilled short horn flank steak. In addition to the impressive food offering, Nickel Kitchen & Bar has also gone to great lengths to provide a superb drink selection. 250 Australian and international wines are available by the bottle and glass, while top-shelf spirits and custom cocktails (think one-litre Bloody Mary carafes) are also on the offer for patrons enjoying a night time tipple or a boozy brunch. The near future will see Nickel Kitchen & bar offer chef’s table degustation menus as well as weekly specials, so be sure to check in regularly.

For more information, check out Nickel Kitchen & Bar in the Stumble Guide.