James Kummrow, Head Chef of Springlake’s new Kin Eatery and Bar, has a long history of perfecting his craft. He got his start in cooking at Fenix Restaurant in Richmond before moving to the then-new Journal Canteen in Melbourne, learning the ins and outs of the Italian cuisine that also forms the basis of many dishes at Kin.

He helped to develop the menu at Church St Enoteca, earning the restaurant its first ‘Chef’s Hat’, before making the typical Australian chef’s pilgrimage to Europe. He spent a winter cooking in luxury private chalets across the French Alps before moving to the UK to work at two 2 Michelin Star venues: Philip Howard’s The Square and John Campbell’s The Vineyeard.

Bringing this knowledge back home to Australia, James has contributed to the multi-award-winning success of The Royal Mail Hotel, opened the Fatto Bar & Cantina, and overseen operations at the Stokehouse as it rebuilt after a 2014 fire. In 2022, James shares his mastery of Italian and European cuisine with Caroline Springs, opening Kin Eatery and Bar at Springlake.

Enjoy twenty years’ worth of experience in these rich culinary traditions along the beautiful lakeside. Kin Eatery and Bar is open Wednesday to Sunday 4.30pm until late, with breakfast and lunch open 7:30am to 3pm, 7 days. Bookings are preferred – get in contact via Instagram @kin.eatery.bar – but walk-ins are always welcome too.

For more about the amazing dining experiences now available at Springlake, check out our What’s On page or follow us on Instagram @springlakecs and Facebook.