Year established: 1995
Commendation: Bronze
Martin Pirc has always been passionate about food and hospitality, opening Punch Lane Wine Bar and Restaurant in 1995. The restaurant has been recognised repeatedly in the The Age Good Food Guide.In 2005, Punch Lane’s alfresco dining area (designed by Jack Clements Burrows) received an urban design award at the Royal Australian Institute of Architects Victorian Chapter Awards.
As Martin explains, as the City of Melbourne has evolved, so too has Punch Lane, following trends and helping enact change. Martin has worked hard to offer customers unique traits, for example the ability to order cheese by the gram, and also successfully sought a new liquor licence to allow patrons to drink at Punch Lane without first ordering food.