Lou McDowell and Jonathan Bisley have bought Davey McKenzie’s Ivy & Lola’s and will do a complete three-month rebuild, starting in February.
They see an opportunity to expand into breakfast and lunch, in addition to dinner.
"It’s always hard to draw people to an upstairs restaurant at lunchtime," McDowell says.
Bisley adds: "We’re still working on the brand, it won’t be ‘Flame’ [but will be] associated with Flame."
The couple recently expanded their kitchen area, meaning they can largely prep upstairs for their new venue, which currently only has a tiny kitchen.
For the new menu they’ll employ some Flame favourites but also cook on fire using solid wood and charcoal.
"It gives the opportunity to create new flavours." McDowell says.
"Jonathan at one stage of his life owned 13 BBQs, so he’s always cooking on fire."
The couple are also looking forward to having some outdoor seating with their new venue which they don’t have at present.
McDowell and Bisley bought Flame in 2016 when it was sited further up Beach St — which is now home to Baja.
They later relocated to the larger Steamer Wharf venue in 2020, following a major fitout.
