The secret is out, Sean Connolly has transformed Marriott’s courtyard venue with a New York-style speakeasy. Drawing inspiration from the Le Méridien hotel and the juxtaposition of high-end decor with a disco flavour and comfort menu, Shush Burger by Sean Connolly is a bold proposition for this Melbourne fringe location. The Yorkshire-born chef, Sean Connolly is no stranger to the Australian culinary scene and has an impressive portfolio spread across the country including Sydney’s Steak & Oyster Co., Gowings, Auckland’s Esther and Sean’s Kitchen in Adelaide SA.
Shush Burger by Sean Connolly settled into Courtyard by Marriott in late March and diners can expect to see a “no frills” menu of hearty favourites, underpinned by quality Australian produce and full-bodied flavours.
“Shush Burger is firstly a place for the people, and it has good food on the side. We wanted to create a venue that’s fun, a little bit naughty and just an all-around kicking burger joint with good quality burgers,” says Connolly.
We originally wondered how a Marriott hotel could achieve a speakeasy vibe, but all was revealed at the Sush Burger launch party. Located on level one of the hotel, diners will delight in pulling open a dark curtain to reveal a neon-lit space, disco ball and a cacophony of musical hits from the 80s, 90s and 00s.
The unpretentious menu includes a range of cocktails and burgers for all appetites. Here are some of our favourite bites we enjoyed.
The burger menu at Shush Burger
The standard is a smash beef patty topped with white onion, pickles, Dijon and ketchup. Or you can get a little something extra with the Bacon Lux which is a beef patty, double red Leicester cheese, applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, caramelised onion, pickles, and chipotle barbeque sauce.
Chicken lovers will enjoy the Buttermilk fried chicken with house slaw and pickled jalapeños (for a little kick). The Fish burger is crumbed hake with smashed avo, sweet pickles and tartare for the pescatarians and the Vegan burger is made with ‘love bud’ plant-based beef, double cheddar, caramelised onion, Russian dressing, onion rings, grain mustard mayo and dill pickle. All burgers are served between a potato bun (or lettuce – for those that consider that a burger). For the full menu, you can visit the Shush Burger website.
Welcoming Sean Connolly to Melbourne
Having spearheaded and run some diversely delicious restaurants already in the country, it’s a delight to have Sean Connolly on Melbourne turf with such a unique concept that is truly Melbourne. Sean Connolly is a true visionary and one of Australia and New Zealand’s most beloved chefs and restauranteurs whose career has seen him take home multiple awards and accolades. Sean’s approach to food is simple: less is more. Let the ingredients speak for themselves.
We know you will love Shush Burger by Sean Connolly, a fabulous addition to the Melbourne dining scene and a great example of what hotel dining can be. Be sure to check out our other Melbourne food reviews.
