Check Out Australia's First Dine-In Cinema

Australia’s first-ever dine-in cinema has opened in Melbourne.

What do you get when you combine good movies and great food? The answer is FoMo Cinemas, the latest venture from Barry Peak (Valhalla/Cinema Nova) and Natalie Miller AO (Longford Cinema/Cinema Nova).

Located within the recently opened East Brunswick Village precinct in Melbourne, FoMo is a film lover and foodie’s dream come true. And it’s the first of its kind to open on Australian shores.

Each theatre features state-of-the-art sound design technology. (Image: Tony Lee)

Already being compared to New York’s famous Nitehawk Cinema, FoMo invites guests to enjoy the latest blockbusters from around the world, with food from a comprehensive dining menu delivered mid-film. Did someone say the perfect date night?

Made up of six theatres with a total capacity of 392 seats, FoMo is set to serve up some of summer’s biggest films with a side of fresh flavour.

Each cinema is fitted with state-of-the-art sound design technology and high-quality projection for an immersive and exciting experience. Two of the cinemas even feature 3D capabilities, while the largest, a 114-seat auditorium, offers 4K laser resolution on a screen measuring more than 10 metres wide.

FoMo is Australia’s first dine-in cinema. (Image: Tony Lee)

FoMo opened its doors on 18 January and has screened new releases including The Holdovers, Ferrari, The Beekeeper, The Iron Claw, Priscilla and Mean Girls.

Barry Peak, co-founder with Natalie Miller AO, describes the project as “cinemas run for movie lovers by movie lovers. Like us." Adding, that “there’s no obligation to eat anything, but you’d be crazy to miss out."

Order local beers or a tasty cocktail at the bar. (Image: Tony Lee)

So, what’s on the menu you ask? Well, head chef Darren Collier is hoping to spoil guests with his carefully curated menu. Think antipasto, cheese boards, New York-inspired sandwiches, burgers, pizza and a delectable dessert platter.

Classic cinema snacks will be on offer too, such as popcorn, choc tops, ethically sourced chocolate and chips from bespoke local companies. FoMo’s bar is also set to excite, with local beers on tap and specialty cocktails available.

Choose your meal from a carefully curated menu. (Image: Tony Lee)

Food can either be pre-ordered or bought during the film, with a cash-free interface located within each theatre chair, avoiding any distractions for other movie-goers. Orders are sent straight to the kitchen and delivered promptly and discreetly.

Guests can also say goodbye to those dreaded pre-movie ads. Rather, interactive quizzes and trivia will entertain, plus movie history and classic cinema moments.

The foyer’s design is inspired by the movie Blade Runner. (Image: Tony Lee)

East Brunswick Village was completed in October 2023 and opened in early 2024. Designed to be self-sustaining, the precinct features a number of apartment buildings surrounded by an apiary, kids cubbyhouse, veggie gardens and a private rooftop with CBD views.

An expansive pedestrian laneway acts as a community hub of retail and entertainment, which FoMo Cinemas now calls home. Other businesses popping up include Bridge Road Brewery, Rumi Restaurant, Taycoya Japanese Restaurant and Siconi Gelato, making for the perfect evening out.

Brunswick is also one of Melbourne’s most vibrant suburbs, with plenty of restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes dotted along its streets.

Get delicious food delivered directly to your seat. (Image: Tony Lee)

Delivering subdued decadence in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer is a pragmatic choice for inner city relaxation and exploring.

Swiss culinary brand Mövenpick – yes, the ice-cream people – opened its Melbourne CBD hotel in 2021. Suited to city explorers, the four-star Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer is a simple, stylish choice for groups or families looking to be near the action at Marvel Stadium, or within walking distance to the city’s buzzing culinary and events scene.

Location

the exterior of Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer

Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer is set in the heart of the CBD.

Melbourne’s CBD is well-known for having a ‘Paris end’ to its east, chock-full of luxury European fashion boutiques, and a ‘Docklands end’ to its west, which culminates in the city’s banking district, Southern Cross rail station and the impressive Marvel Stadium. Choosing to part from its European roots, Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer is situated at the Docklands end.

Opened in late 2021 and housed in the glittering Premier Tower, it is ideal for guests who are visiting for events at Marvel, who plan to enjoy some city exploration, or who travel regionally by train or by public transport from Melbourne International Airport.

Accommodation that’s a 3-minute walk from rail and Skybus depots means you won’t lose any time caught in traffic. Plus, if you are in town for a Marvel sports game or iconic music experience at the stadium (Lady Gaga, Ed Sheeran, Mariah Carey and Oasis are all slotted for upcoming concerts), being an 8-minute walk from the action means your journey home, or onto a late-night cocktail, is straightforward: No Uber queues or jam-packed trams.

Style & Character

a look inside the suite living area at Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer

The rooms are tastefully furnished with plush seating.

Part of the Accor group, Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer comes with the expected high-quality finishes of a 4-star hotel – plush velveteen seating, acoustic dampening in its rooms, sparkling water on tap, and lashings of space, so you can kick back and relax.

The curved building’s silhouette is famously inspired by Beyoncé’s silhouette and once inside, contemporary references continue. Rooms are bright and airy with warm brass tones, luxurious bedding and expanses of glass.

Individual hotel rooms are designed for relaxing rather than business (most don’t have a desk), instead being kitted out with a sofa, coffee table and all the amenities needed for some stay-in indulgence – great for families with kids, or trips with friends staying in neighbouring rooms.

Facilities

the daily chocolate hour at Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer

Indulge in daily complimentary chocolates.

The stand-out difference between Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer and its local competition is the venue’s daily chocolate hour. Running from 2pm-3pm each day, the hotel’s cocktail bar is turned into a pop-up chocolaterie, offering complimentary bite-sized cakes, chocolates and nibbles for guests. Whether you have been busy sightseeing, shopping or exploring the nearby riverbank, it’s the perfect excuse to relax with a cuppa and a handful of Swiss chocolate-covered pretzels.

the outdoor heated lap pool at Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer

Relax in the heated lap pool.

If you find yourself hitting the chocolate hour a little too frequently, the on-site gym, 25-metre lap pool and sauna are a convenient palate cleanser. Functional rather than luxurious, the facilities are perhaps the least luxurious area of the hotel. On a windy day, the partly open-air lap pool area can be briskly cool; however, the adjoining hot tub makes warming up a breeze

Rooms

a look inside the Deluxe King Room, Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer

The Deluxe King Room offers a cosy place to retreat to in the CBD.

There are 172 rooms and suites at Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer, ranging from family rooms, twin rooms and suites – most of which offer more room than the average city-centre hotel. All are equipped with coffee/tea making facilities, mini bars and robes.

Being in the heart of the CBD does mean noise, city lights and tramlines, so added details like heavy blackout curtains and soundproof glazing come in handy.

Food & Drink

dining at Onsite restaurant Miss Mi, Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer

Dine on upscale south-east Asian fare.

Onsite restaurant Miss Mi is the crown jewel of this hotel. Specialising in south-east Asian fare, the menu combines rich Indian and Malaysian flavours with fragrant Thai and Vietnamese influences.

Executive chef Migo Razon’s take on local favourites such as kingfish ceviche – dressed in lemongrass, fresh herbs, desert lime preserve and persimmon – and baked scallops topped with black bean, aromatics and lardo makes for an intriguingly successful twist.

food on the table at Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer

The menu marries rich Asian flavours. (Image: Clare Acheson)

As for south-east Asian classics, the Filipino kaldereta beef short rib melts in the mouth. Beef rendang and Penang duck curry fill out the warming spice offerings, accompanied by the puffed phulka roti (don’t be surprised when it arrives like an inflated pastry soccer-ball, not a pancake!). The dessert offerings also take cues from Asia and includes a warm ube mochi, served with a rich caramelised ube compote, crispy pinipig toasted rice grains and paper-like white chocolate shards.

Our recommendation: Order the DIY sisig bao accompanied by the Miss Mi Thai bitters martini, especially if you are dining with friends. The twice-cooked pork comes served with a glistening egg yolk and several soft, fluffy bao, so you can each adjust your own chilli, mint and coriander to taste. As for the martini, it tastes like nothing else in Melbourne thanks to Miss Mi’s spirits collaboration with nearby gin producer Little Lon Distillery, delivering a citrusy, herbaceous kick.

It’s open weekdays for lunch and evening sittings, seven days a week.

Does Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer have access for guests with disabilities?

Yes, including accessible restaurant and cafe areas.

Is Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer family-friendly?

Undoubtedly, yes.

With free ice-cream for the kids for the duration of their stay, a pool that’s big enough for them to splash in while you relax in the spa, and rooms that are designed for lounging and gaming, it’s a fantastic city spot for family trips.

The Details

Best for: Families, city visitors who want to be near the action at Marvel Stadium

Address: 160 Spencer St, Melbourne

Price: From $258 per night

Check out Australia’s first dine-in cinema

Australia’s first-ever dine-in cinema has opened in Melbourne.

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Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne delivers comfort and chocolate indulgence