The StandardX Celebrates One Year With Shannon Bennett’s BistroX Takeover
A year above standard
By Kiri Johnston | 14th August 2025When The StandardX, Fitzroy’s boldest hotel, turned one, I knew the celebrations wouldn’t be ordinary. In just twelve months, it’s gone from the new kid on the block to Melbourne’s most stylishly offbeat stay, and this birthday, also perfectly aligning with my extended 30th birthday celebrations, was the perfect excuse to check in.
Playful design meets relaxed luxury
The moment you step into The StandardX lobby, it feels like the outside world had been muted and you step into a design-forward sanctuary where texture, form, and colour strike a perfect balance: neutral stone tiles and softly draped linen curtains set a calming tone, while bold, candy-striped seating adds just the right amount of edge. Brass lighting glows against raw timber, and every corner reveals a perfectly chosen ceramic or art piece. Curated yet comfortable, it’s a modernist nod to The StandardX’s playful edge, reimagined with a softer, grounded sensibility — and easily one of my favourite parts of the hotel.
From one icon to another
Part of the birthday magic is Shannon Bennett, yes, that Shannon Bennett, the culinary force behind Melbourne’s Vue de Monde — taking over The StandardX’s ground floor with BistroX. I booked in for French dining that felt elevated without the fuss: classics made modern, a seasonal menu that changes with the market, and a wine list that’s hard to resist (though I went for a glass of NON). Warm, impeccable service and a buzzing atmosphere made it a standout. BistroX runs until 15 October, with breakfast, dinner, and long, lazy lunches Friday to Sunday. If you need an excuse to splurge, this is it.
Deering X TheStandardX
I’ve loved Melbourne-based label Deering, founded by Erin Deering since it launched last year, so seeing it team up with The StandardX for a limited-edition merch drop feels like peak Melbourne energy. Celebrating Fitzroy’s bold fashion, vibrant music, and cultural pulse, the collection takes The StandardX’s playful edge beyond the lobby and onto the streets.
A new breed of standard
The StandardX blends avant-garde design with a distinctly local flavour, plugged into Fitzroy’s creative heartbeat — from its industrial-meets-retro interiors to the moody, art-filled lobby, and THE BOX: a well-stocked neighbourhood bodega with everything from artisan snacks and wellness picks to vintage film cameras. My room was all high ceilings, soft light, and layered textures — pops of colour against SMEG appliances, robes I seriously considered stealing, and those little touches that show someone’s thought about how you’ll use the space, not just how it looks. Boutique in feel but with the energy of something bigger.
Fitzroy on your doorstep
One of my favourite things about staying at The StandardX? The location. Step outside and you’re instantly in the thick of Fitzroy’s best — Lune Croissanterie for my morning coffee and pastry fix, Rose Street Artist Market for a wander, and Naked For Satan’s Rooftop for drinks with a view. Everything I wanted was just a short stroll away, and the hotel made it all feel like part of the experience. Whether I’m playing tourist in my own city or imagining a full staycation, Fitzroy makes it impossible to run out of things to do, and The StandardX puts you right at the centre of it all.
Why you need to book now
With its first birthday buzz and Shannon Bennett’s BistroX pop-up in full swing, the hotel has never felt more electric. But like all good things, it’s fleeting — BistroX wraps 15 October. Until then, grab breakfast, dinner, or a long, lazy weekend lunch. Trust me, one year in and they’re only just getting started.
