Hickens Hotel has opened on Russell Street after a major renovation, including a new rooftop bar for Melbourne.
Remember the Crafty Squire on Russell Street? Well, thanks to a $12 million transformation, one of the most centrally located Melbourne city pubs reopens today as Hickens Hotel. That means a new rooftop bar, Melbourne!
Owner Australian Venue Co has flipped the site into a four-storey, 1110-person mega-pub with two additional levels.
The renovation added a newly built rooftop bar and sports bar on a floor not previously open to the public.
Hickens Hotel (with a new rooftop bar for Melbourne)
- Where: 127 Russell Street, Melbourne
- Opening hours: Seven days, 11am until late
- Special attractions: Carlton tank beer, arcade games, private karaoke, photo booth, rooftop bar
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The pub occupies the historic site where boxer Abe Hickens operated in the 1870s. Developers have preserved this sporting heritage throughout the modern venue.
The ground floor Front Bar provides a classic pub atmosphere. Upstairs, Level One houses the main dining area with banquette seating and table service.
The Carlton Lounge features the venue’s signature attraction. It serves as Melbourne’s first official Carlton Bar with beer poured directly from tanks.
Abe’s Athletic Hall occupies another floor as a sports entertainment zone. The space includes arcade games, big screens and booth seating for groups watching live sport.
The rooftop bar crowns the venue with city views. Patrons can enjoy cocktails and beer while overlooking Melbourne’s skyline during golden hour sessions.
The dining menu celebrates Australian pub classics with contemporary presentation. Dishes include cheese and Vegemite garlic bread, sticky honey chicken, traditional pub pies and boozy bread and butter pudding, yum!
Sports fans you’re in luck, there’s big screen entertainment accessible across all levels.
Australian Venue Co operates more than 200 venues countrywide. The hospitality group’s Melbourne portfolio also includes The Espy and Morris House.
For more information, head here.
