The Historic Albert Park Hotel Has Finally Reopened and Unveiled Its Ambitious Makeover

Having sat dormant for six years, since being bought by new owners Colonial Leisure Group in 2014, the 137-year-old Albert Park Hotel was set to reveal a grand makeover in March. But, just days before the big reveal, COVID-19 hit and the unveiling was delayed. Now, it's finally ready to show Melburnians its new look.

Joining a stable of popular venues that includes the likes of Lucky Coq, Bimbo Deluxe, Brunswick's The Penny Black and the Portsea Hotel, The Albert Park Hotel is jumping back onto the scene with a contemporary new look. And it's dishing up a modern Chinese food offering in place of the classic pub grub.

Headed up by Six Degrees Architects and stylist Anna Roberts, the full revamp has seen the once dark and enclosed space transformed into something bright and upbeat, with light pouring through the windows of a new four-storey atrium. The interiors cleverly blend old and new, with modern finishes bringing new life to the pub's original brickwork and historic features — from the front bar and restaurant to the streetside beer garden and through to a cosy upstairs lounge.

Simon Shiff

The contemporary food offering from Head Chef Karloong Yee is available throughout the venue, but takes centre stage within the restaurant, Happy Valley. It's a menu heavy on familiar Chinese flavours, while celebrating modern technique and local ingredients. Expect dim sum aplenty, alongside the likes of san choi bao, peking duck pancakes, XO pipis and a kung pao chicken laced with facing heaven chilli. Crisp Eugowra quail is done with lashings of szechuan pepper salt; char siu salmon pairs with coriander, sesame and a soft fried hen's egg; and ice cream comes fried with a chocolate fortune cookie crumb.

You can match snacks — barbecue pork buns, perhaps, or a Taiwanese-style Bunnings snag — with a few crisp brews and some footy in the front bar, or perhaps take advantage of the Aussie-led wine lineup and a reserve list that's at once high-end and affordable.

Simon Shiff

Upstairs, a comfy hideaway awaits in the elegant lounge bar, where crafty cocktails come courtesy of Bar Manager Asher Spitz (Boilermaker House). Settle in with the likes of an Espresso Tropicale (vodka, szechuan spices, espresso, lime and coconut) or a Nightwatchman (gin, liquorice root vermouth and sesame oil).

At the moment, Albert Park's capacity is limited — as per the government's COVID-19 restrictions — so if you want to ensure you'll get a table, we suggest you head online to book before heading in.

Find The Albert Park Hotel on the corner of Montague Street and Dundas Place, Albert Park. It's open from 12pm–late Wednesday–Sunday. 

Images: Simon Shiff

Until at least Wednesday, July 29, stay-at-home orders have been reintroduced in 12 Melbourne postcodes, which means their residents can only leave for one of four reasons: work or school, care or care giving, daily exercise or food and other essentials. For more information, head to the DHHS website.