Shannon Bennett Pops Up in Fitzroy

For Bennett, this project is both a homecoming and a new chapter. Joined by long-time collaborators and Vue de Monde alumni, including Cory Campbell, Ryan Henley, and Master Sommelier Carlos Simoes Santos, the chef has assembled a powerhouse team committed to delivering food, wine, and hospitality with equal parts precision and warmth. On the floor, hospitality veteran Steven Kirkpatrick leads service, ensuring the tone stays relaxed yet attentive, designed to feel as welcoming as a local’s favourite.

BistroX draws inspiration from the local neighbourhood bistro: friendly, seasonal, and community-focused. Guests can expect classics reimagined with Bennett’s signature flair – handmade breads, pastas, and elevated comfort dishes made with peak-season produce from trusted Victorian suppliers. A weekly rotating steak special showcases the team’s focus on provenance, while sustainability and craft underpin every element.

“Being back in Melbourne and back in the kitchen is something really special for me,” says Bennett. “This is about creating a place people want to return to – where great food, energy, and collaboration come together. It’s also about nurturing the next generation of hospitality talent and being part of the Fitzroy community.”

True to that ethos, the menu is designed to evolve. Feedback from locals and regulars will shape new dishes over the coming weeks, allowing BistroX to feel less like a pop-up and more like a part of the neighbourhood. The wine list, curated by Simoes Santos, follows the same philosophy: approachable, dynamic, and poured by the glass to encourage discovery.

The setting inside The StandardX, with its design-forward aesthetic and location in the heart of Fitzroy, only adds to the experience. The pop-up is deliberately pitched to balance occasion and accessibility: refined enough to celebrate, yet comfortable enough to make a weekly ritual.

Whether dropping in for a glass of wine and pasta on a weeknight, celebrating with steak and dessert on the weekend, or starting the day with breakfast, BistroX has quickly become one of the most talked-about dining experiences in the city.

· Where: The StandardX, Fitzroy

· When: Until 15 October 2025

· Hours: Breakfast and dinner daily, lunch Friday–Sunday

With Bennett and his team back in full flight, BistroX is a reminder of why Melbourne fell in love with his food in the first place.

LEARN MORE https://www.standardx.com/food-and-drink/bistrox-pop-up/