South Melbourne's Historic Albion Hotel Has Made Its Long-Awaited Return

The Albion Hotel is what you'd call a true 'risen from the ashes' story. Two years ago, the historic South Melbourne pub took quite the beating, burning to the ground just ten days before it was due to reopen.

Now, its team of owners — which includes ex-Collingwood AFL player Dane Swan and former rugby league players Danny Williams and Robbie Kearns — have brought the venue back to life, this week opening to the public at last. We're told to expect an entirely different offering to any of the pub's many previous incarnations, as it returns to its original name of The Albion.

This time around, expect a mammoth three-level space, crowned with one of Melbourne's biggest rooftop bars. Up here, find yourself quaffing gin cocktails and tap beers, matched to sweeping views of the city skyline. One floor below lies a plush lounge bar, decked out with leather booths and brass accents, while a modern front bar takes over the ground level.

It's an all-encompassing venue that's been designed to cruise easily from daytime to the after-dark hours, with a state-of-the-art sound system and a nifty 5am weekend licence pegging it as a favourite for late-night dance floor sessions. Meanwhile, the brand new kitchen is plating up a menu that celebrates both local produce and global flavours, featuring the likes of soft shell crab bao, cider-braised pork belly and a seared nori tuna.

This isn't the only old pub to reopen  — Melbourne University's Prince Alfred is getting a new lease on life too.

The Albion is now open Wednesday through Sunday at 172, York Street South Melbourne. For more information, keep checking back here and at thealbion.bar.