While Marvel Stadium sleeps, Friends of Fire ignites

Marvel Stadium’s up-market pub, Friends of Fire, has an exciting slate of events to keep Docklanders entertained once the footy season draws to a close this September.

The 250-seat pub boasts a range of South American-inspired meat and vegetarian dishes created by world-renowned culinary directors Shannon Martinez and Aaron Rodrigues.

With three woodfired grills, an open kitchen and a lively atmosphere, since Friends of Fire opened its doors six months ago it has become a fan favourite and is frequently booked out throughout the footy season.

With meals such as 28-day dry-aged rib eye with green fermented peppercorn on offer, Friends of Fire, has said goodbye to the humble meat pie and changed people’s perception of a footy feed.

But Bubs Fahour, one of the venue’s owners, said that now the season was nearing an end it was finding ways to continue to bring people to Marvel Stadium.

For local corporates, they have begun running Express Lunch from Tuesday to Friday between 12pm and 3pm, with fish and chips, parmas, smash burgers and buttermilk fried chicken for only $25.

Wednesday night is steak night. For $30, choose between traditional or plant-based steaks, a side of chips and a Penfolds wine flight pairing.

Mr Fahour said he wanted to transform the venue into a place that people not only go to enjoy a feed before the footy but a place for locals to enjoy year-round.

Next door to Friends of Fire is The Wine Room, an intimate 50-seat bar, and upstairs, Amphora, is a palatial 200-seat dining function room with an ornate skylight and a hand-painted floral mural. All of these venues are part-owned by Mr Fahour.

He said that he wanted to give people the chance to enjoy different dining experiences, whether it be the buzz of an upmarket pub with music or a tasteful corporate event in Amphora.

There’s even the option to book out Amphora for a two-hour bottomless brunch with the choice between an acoustic band, DJ or drag show.

Mr Fahour is encouraging more locals to come experience what’s on offer, as well as for people from outside Docklands to come and discover what the area has to offer with a South American flair.

According to Mr Fahour the three venues are a way for the precinct to evolve into a unique dining and entertainment experience in addition to being a sporting ground.

Whether you are after a pre-game beer or Friday night feed, Friends of Fire has plenty available to keep the night alive. •