Melbourne’s winter dining scene is getting a cosy new addition, with Fern Bar & Dining unveiling Fern’s Hidden Winter Garden, an intimate seasonal dining experience tucked inside the courtyard of Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins.
Launching on 27 May as part of RISING’s Moon Bites program, the activation transforms Fern’s hidden internal garden into a collection of private botanical conservatories designed for winter dining in the heart of the CBD.
The experience centres around three beautifully styled glasshouse dining domes, each seating up to six guests. Filled with greenery, soft lighting and warm interiors, the conservatories have been designed to feel more like hidden urban retreats than traditional pop-up dining spaces.
“Fern’s Garden has always been a destination in its own right,” says Rebecca Thorne, General Manager Hotel Indigo Little Collins.
“This winter, we have created something that is genuinely special: intimate, warm and distinctly Melbourne. We didn’t want to create another winter wonderland pop-up, instead an elevated dining experience which happens to be inside a stunning botanical conservatory in our courtyard,” she said.
Menus have been created by Executive Chef Darryl Hand, formerly of Stokehouse and Arts Centre Melbourne, with dining options running from breakfast through to dinner. Guests can choose from breakfast, brunch, pre-show and premium dinner experiences featuring seasonal local produce, shared plates, oysters, wagyu rump and chocolate fondue desserts.
The drinks list also leans heavily local, with cocktails created alongside Little Lon Distilling Co. and wines supplied by Giant Steps. Signature serves include theatrical cocktails featuring smoke, glowing bubbles and tableside presentation.
Fern’s Hidden Winter Garden runs from 27 May until 31 August 2026 at Fern Bar & Dining at 2/288 Little Collins Street, with bookings now open for the limited-capacity conservatory dining experience.
