Many Little Bistro in Red Hill, VIC by Hecker Guthrie.

Many Little is a new all-day eatery and cellar door at Polperro Winery, in Red Hill on the Mornington Peninsula. The Polperro family turned to Melbourne-based Hecker Guthrie to design the new space, who also designed their namesake restaurant next door.

Overlooking adjoining farmland, Many Little can cater to over 190 people. Hecker Guthrie dotted the space with intimate sections, though left a beer garden in the courtyard open and casual, catering for both tourist and local crowds. Many Little is a little more casual than sister restaurant Polperro, serving coffee and pastries in the morning, and drinks late into the night at the bar.

However, the two spaces are similar in feel and design. Hamish Guthrie explains his inspiration as drawn, “from the diverse rural setting, with the views of the muted green landscape perfectly framing the internal palette.”

The menu is designed to comfort and nourish and the design follows suit, relying on natural tones and textures throughout to convey a relaxed, convivial air. Elements such as textural brick, terrazzo, and rich timber bring the surrounding natural beauty inwards. Brick floors denote the bar area from the timber-floored dining spaces.

The restaurant is equally appealing for summer or winter; vases of fresh gum leaves stand on tables next to modern candelabras, and wood sits in a pile waiting to be burned beside a freestanding indoor fireplace. Unlike other fancier establishments in the surrounding wine region, Many Little is more geared toward making visitors feel wholesome and at home. There’s even a produce manager, dedicated to sourcing seasonal, local, organic ingredients.

The name originates from a Cornish saying, “many a little makes a mickle,” which means when together, many small things make something great. Many Little is a shout-out to members of the local Red Hill community who contribute to the thriving region.

See more projects by Hecker Guthrie on Yellowtrace here.

[Images courtesy of Hecker Guthrie. Photography by Shannon McGrath.]