Coming Soon: The Victory Hotel Is Set for a Massive Makeover, Scoring a Rooftop Garden Bar and Basement Speakeasy

Thanks to a proposed multimillion-dollar makeover, Brisbane's oldest-surviving CBD pub might soon look a whole lot different, transforming into a four-in-one venue that'll get patrons sipping drinks from the basement to the rooftop. News that The Victory Hotel was set for a revamp first arrived back in 2023, after the Edward Street watering hole temporarily closed, then reopened under new management. Now, the details of the site's next guise have dropped. If the submitted development application gets approval, this Brissie icon will boast everything from a speakeasy to a steakhouse.

When The Vic shut up shop in February 2023, the short-term halt came as ALH Hotels decided not to renew its lease on the inner-city site. Then, Athena Group inked a long-term agreement with owners Precision Group. Together, they have huge plans for the pub's major redevelopment.

The Vic is heritage-listed thanks to its hefty history. First constructed in 1855, it was initially known as the Prince of Wales, and is a prime example of 19th-century corner hotels. Over its lengthy lifespan since, the venue has become well-acquainted with facelifts. Indeed, this will be one of many, including during the 1880s, 1920s–30s — when the venue's name was changed to the moniker that Brisbane knows today — and then the 1950s as well. The beer garden area scored a makeover in the 1980s, with an awning added in 1995 and more changes amde to the outdoor space in the 2000s.

The latest proposal involves creating a sports bar and beer garden as one distinct venue, plus a rooftop garden bar as another. A steakhouse restaurant will give The Vic its third venue, while the basement will become a speakeasy-style bar with gaming room.

Historical details will be honoured in the redevelopment, with architecture firm Bureau Proberts and interior designers S.Shyne — plus heritage architect Ruth Woods — crafting the pub's new aesthetic.

"The Victory Hotel has been a popular destination for more than 150 years, and we're excited to elevate the offerings of this iconic venue and reinvigorate this corner of Brisbane," said Precision Group Leasing Executive Rory O'Brien.

"Our focus is on creating a world-class destination that will attract visitors from across Australia and around the world, while preserving the heritage of the site for future generations."

"Through this redevelopment, patrons will be able to look up from the beer garden or rooftop bar and see the original structure of the hotel whilst enjoying the advantage of the outdoor Brisbane climate," added Bureau Proberts Lead Designer Dan Liddy.

"The basement bar is an exciting feature that gives life to elements of the building that people don't usually get to see, and will remember and honour the historic site."

Find The Victory Hotel at 127 Edward Street, Brisbane City — head to the venue's Facebook page for more details.

Renders: S.Shyne.