Overview
South Melbourne's Star Hotel is open for business once more. The storied corner pub and live music venue started trading again last week after a comprehensive makeover of both the menu and the decor. And while your inner trashy teen may be disappointed to learn that Star Bar Sundays are now a thing of the past, it would appear there's plenty to like about the venue's classy new vibe.
For starters, the interior has been refurbished to resemble an indoor beer garden, complete with astroturf, indoor palm trees, recycled timber decking and exposed bronze and copper piping. In addition to the downstairs public bar, the venue now features a dining hall with table service and booth seating, an upstairs function room, a rooftop terrace and a lounge, for a total capacity of 400 people.
The kitchen, meanwhile, is now being manned by chef Danny Callen (previously of The Post in St Kilda). Expect a mix of classic pub food including chicken parmas and a black angus burger, along with seasonal fare such as housemade gnocchi with cherry tomatoes, asparagus and broad beans; wagyu eye fillet with potato roesti, mushroom parfait and marrow sauce; and herb-stuffed porchetta with braised cabbage, caramelised apples and gorgonzola compound butter. Dessert options include a passionfruit and mixed berry Eton Mess; and dark chocolate fondant with cherry compote, caramel ice cream and hazelnut tuile.
As if that weren't enough, the starters and share plate section of the menu, which includes freshly shucked oysters, pulled chipotle pork sliders, Szechuan prawns, and cheese and charcuterie boards, will be available until 3am — the same time the venue's liquor license extends to. On the subject of liquor, your options in that department include cocktails, boutique wines and locally brewed beers. A new overhead CUB Duo Tank system will house non-pasteurised beer direct from the brewery.
The Star Hotel is located on the corner of Clarendon Street and Market Street in South Melbourne. Their trading hours are noon until late, seven days a week.