Overview
Scott Connolly has a knack for refurbing pubs — most notably The Orrong Hotel and Healesville Hotel, which are now absolute stunners. He's achieved the perfect transformation at these sites, breathing plenty of contemporary cool into these spaces without losing any of their old-boozer charm.
And now, the next lucky pub to get a Connolly makeover is South Melbourne's The George. The two-storey pub that sits on the corner of Cecil Street and Coventry Street has been kicking around for 150 years, in one form or another, and its next chapter is set to be a big one.
Once the work is done in early 2025, punters can return to the watering hole to find a revamped public bar, bistro-style dining room, leafy courtyard, upstairs function space and a smattering of outdoor seating. It going to have all the essential contemporary pub trimmings.
Steve Svensen (ex-Lenny and Moby) has also been brought on to run the food side of things at The George, crafting modern interpretations of classic pub dishes. And when it comes to bevs, you can expect your usual draught beers on tap as well as a wine list featuring plenty of local producers — no surprises here.
Connolly shared, "We're thrilled to be part of this community and hope that The George will continue to hold a firm place in the hearts of South Melbourne locals while also welcoming a new generation of pub-goers.
"Homely hospitality and classic pub fare is at the heart of our new offering at The George and we look forward to bringing back that warm pub atmosphere and celebrating the building's welcoming historical character with restored interiors."
The George — found at 139 Cecil Street, South Melbourne — is slated to reopen in early 2025. For more details, you can check out the venue's Instagram page.