Arson attack on iconic South Yarra bistro linked to extortion plot

Several concerned customers called into the iconic South Yarra bistro France-Soir in the days leading up to an attempted arson on Thursday, the latest venue to be targeted in a series of attacks and drive-by shootings plaguing Melbourne’s nightlife industry.

The Age can reveal an extortion plot has been carried out against the fine dining institution on Toorak Road by an outlaw motorcycle gang, according to three hospitality sources with knowledge of the events unable to speak publicly.

Last week, Victoria Police issued an extraordinary warning urging nightlife revellers to exercise caution and watch out for suspicious activity around licensed premises following a spate of arsons across the city.

The Men’s Gallery on Lonsdale Street, the Albion in South Melbourne, the Emerson in South Yarra, Soho and Left Bank restaurants in Southbank, and Kittens Strip Club in South Melbourne were among the clubs and bars attacked.

CBD nightclub Bar Bambi was also targeted in the early hours of Saturday morning – just one day after the police press conference.

The warning, made by Detective Inspector Chris Murray of the arson and explosives squad, said all owners were co-operative and did not know why they had been attacked.

“It’s early days, but we are none the wiser as to why these premises are being targeted,” Murray said.

Police arrested two suspects in South Yarra at 3:30am on Thursday after they were spotted acting suspiciously outside France-Soir in a vehicle carrying imitation firearms, jerry cans of petrol and drugs.

Three hospitality sources confirmed they were aware of an extortion plot against France-Soir organised by a bikie gang.

Johanna Bails, who runs the bistro with her husband Jean-Paul Prunetti, said she had no knowledge of any demands made to her or her staff.

She said in the days before the attempted arson, several people contacted the restaurant to check in after hearing rumours of an extortion plot.

“It’s bizarre. It’s really strange. And there’s the fact that none of the staff members know anything … If they really wanted that money, why wouldn’t they ask Jean-Paul or myself?”

Bails said she checked CCTV and had spoken to several people, but could not piece together where the reports were coming from. “To the best of my knowledge and Jean-Paul’s knowledge we’ve not had anybody step forward and ask [for money].”

A 31-year-old Sandringham man and a 22-year-old Mooroolbark woman were taken into police custody on Thursday, but at the time of writing have not been charged.

It is not known whether the other venues have also been subjected to extortion demands similar to those made about France-Soir.

France-Soir opened its doors more than 40 years ago, and since then has cemented itself as one of Melbourne’s most iconic eateries.

A Good Food review dubbed the restaurant as the “city’s best-loved bistro”, known for its 2000-plus bottles strong wine list and charming service.