Now Open: Hawthorn's Historic 300-Seat Pub The Beehive Is Back After Undergoing a Massive Revamp

A pub has stood on the corner of Hawthorn's Church Street and Barkers Road (formerly Beehive Road) since the 1800s. It's had a few different names during that time — most recently, Serafina — but it's been called The Beehive throughout most of its life.

And though Serafina is no longer, Julien Moussi and Tony Pantano from Only Hospitality (Hotel Collingwood, Hobsons Bay Hotel) have taken over the 300-seat pub and given it a major makeover, renaming it The Beehive in the process. 

By.Underwood was brought on to restore rather than renovate the building, and has worked hard to keep plenty of the pub's heritage features. The famed beehive sculpture that crowns the pub remains, as does the old-school ceiling plasterwork, restored flooring and large arch windows.

A warm, bee-inspired yellow and brown colour palette flows throughout the venue, while playful beehive lights sit above banquette seats. It's a fun nod to the pub's name, but you'll still be hanging out in a pub, not a bee-themed bar. 

Chef Chris Rendell has designed The Beehive's new menu, delivering contemporary gastropub fare with a particular focus on woodfired cooking. Flame-kissed proteins now feature at The Beehive alongside pub classics like chicken and eggplant parmas and fish and chips, as well as a rotating selection of pastas and share plates.

As another little nod to its name, local honey by Pure Peninsula is sprinkled throughout the food and drinks offerings, from a honeycomb-starring cheeseboard to honey-based desserts and a hot honey cocktail.

Harrison Young (Milton Wine Shop) has been enlisted to create the wine list, which showcases both local and international drops. The team is pouring an impressive 17 by the glass and another 120 by the bottle.

The old-school pub vibes live on at the front bar, which boasts a 12-strong selection of beers on tap and plenty of classic and signature cocktails. Here, you'll also find screens streaming sports matches, a roaring fireplace and plenty of sporting memorabilia. 

Moussi and Pantano used to frequent The Beehive in their 20s, and the duo is working hard to hold onto the historic pub's character while modernising certain elements.

"Our vision for The Beehive is that it'll be a pub for the people and reignite that sense of community," says Moussi. "This transformation invites a new wave of Melburnians to discover the iconic venue, and that's something we're really excited about."

The Beehive can be found at 84 Barkers Road, Hawthorn, open 12pm–late on weekdays and 11.30am–late on weekends. For more information, head to the pub's website.

Images: David Green.