The Albert Park Hotel has been unveiled ahead of its reopening next month. Over a century old, the iconic Melbourne venue has been transformed by Colonial Leisure Group (owned by independent family-run business, The Morris Group), which purchased the pub in 2014.
Executive chef Ken Yuen is leading the kitchen and has entirely shifted the focus. The modern Chinese menu is made up of contemporary and classic dishes, all of which celebrate locally and sustainably sourced produce.
Curated by general manager Brad Hammond (Sunda, The Hotel Windsor), the wine list features Victorian and Australian producers alongside a large selection of back vintage premium wines in its reserve list.
Six Degrees Architects and stylist Anna Roberts are behind the reimagined design. The refurbishment embraces old and new in equal measure. While the historic sites brickwork has been respected, the space has been given new height and depth with a four-story atrium; expansive windows let natural light flood in and tree brings a little nature indoors. Local artefacts, sourced by Roberts, are on display throughout the pub with Chinoiserie-inspired antiques filling the restaurant to compliment Yuen’s food.
Guests will be able to enjoy a number of spaces: on the bottom floor restaurant Happy Valley sits next to the main public bar while the much-loved alfresco seating remains. As night falls, cocktails and Chinese snacks will flow in the upstairs bar and lounge. Proof & Company (behind the drinks at Singapore’s Atlas) has taken inspiration from the menu to create a complementary cocktail list.
The space will be lined by private booths with rattan shutters that can seat up to eight people and be booked by guests wanting to experience the restaurant menu upstairs.
“Albert Park Hotel has been the backdrop to so many magical memories for our local community,” says Hammond. “The new direction is going to be fresh and inspiring for the area, and we can’t wait to see this beautiful pub brimming with life and laughter once more.”
Image credit: Simon Schiff