Hospitality and tourism were two industries that were among the hardest hit over the last two years, which makes the opening of Lovers’ Lane extra special. Located on Lawson Street, the venue could be loosely described as ‘grungy yet smart’, a sentiment that has carried through to the interior, which was designed by Adam Grygopruk and George Gorrow. Lovers’ Lane is warm and soft, with a mix of leather booths and lounges inviting patrons to sink in, get comfortable and stay a while. Local art and photography is peppered around the space, a nod to Byron’s artistic and creative heart.

The kitchen is in the hands of executive chef Tyler Preston (Bang Bang, Chin Chin), who has curated a concise menu of snack and share plates that are designed to graze over a casual cocktail or glass of wine – think freshly shucked oysters and beef tartare alongside more substantial bites such as barbecue king prawns and charcoal chicken. The menu isn’t exclusive to one kind of cuisine or geographic region, there are tastes of south-east Asia alongside Greek, Italian and French influences. While some chefs can be sticklers for tradition, Tyler is more concerned with the quality and pedigree of the local produce. When it comes to the libations, Bradley Wakefield (Halycon House) is behind the cocktail menu, which features local botanicals from the Byron region including strawberry gum and lemon myrtle. The wine list features a selection of natural, bio-dynamic, minimal intervention, organic, and vegan wines with a mix of Australian, French and international drops represented.

Lovers’ Lane is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 5:00 pm to late.

Image credit: Jude Cohen