Newstead’s evolution into a thriving culinary epicentre will continue this year with the opening of Los Angeles-inspired marketplace, wine boutique and restaurant Evra, which is currently taking shape at retail and lifestyle development Long Island on Longland Street. This multifaceted locale will look to provide locals with an elevated outlet dedicated to wholesome wellness in many forms, be it convenient and nutritious grab-and-go morsels or luxurious lunches and dinners. The venue will be divided into two distinct halves. On one side will sit Evra’s neighbourhood dining room and bar, boasting both alfresco and interior space with a total capacity of 120 patrons, as well as a warm and inviting aesthetic that marries high-end artistic touches with a charming approachability. Here, head chef Neven Vanderzee, a cuisiner with 20 years of experience working in Michelin-starred and hatted kitchens, will work coastal and country produce sourced from local growers and producers into Evra’s breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. These dishes will be complemented by a beverage program curated by head sommelier and venue manager Florian Valieres, featuring classic cocktails as well as a sturdy wine list that is already earning acclaim. The other key component to Evra is its marketplace, a repository of lifestyle essentials. Featuring a bespoke food bar and wine merchant, the marketplace will serve feel-good food such as fresh, nutritionally dense, easy-to-grab meals, bottled tonics, smoothies, huge salads and coffees (including on-trend items such as reishi cappuccinos). Evra is targeting a mid-year opening date, with the marketplace expected to open first. Stay tuned for more exciting details on this one as they emerge.