St Kilda's Prince Hotel Is Closing Its Public Bar for a Revamp (and Serving Up $1 Pots to Say Farewell)

It has been a hectic couple of years for the Prince Hotel, and it's about to get even busier. The space formerly known as the Prince of Wales Hotel has seen new managers come in, restaurants shutter and launch, and commenced a multimillion-dollar makeover — and now it's closing its public bar for a revamp.

One St Kilda's historic pubs, the Acland Street spot was taken over by Melbourne businessman Gerry Ryan and his son Andrew back in 2016. As part of their renovations, Circa closed its doors after 20 years of operation, and a new dining room opened late last year. Reviving the public bar is the final step for the new-look venue. While there's no set re-opening date as yet, the spruced-up digs will open up the whole ground floor, take back the space that recently housed Cantina, and create an expanded kitchen and dining space.

The new public bar will also feature a small wine shop on the Acland Street side, which is great news for anyone eager to take a few tipples home with them.

And for those keen on a few last drinks in the historic bar before it is reborn, the Prince Hotel is also throwing a party to say goodbye — well, goodbye for now.

From 9pm on Monday, April 22 and Tuesday, April 23, the Prince will be slinging $1 pots, which is reason enough for a nightcap or several. There'll also be $5 bottles of Miller Draft while stocks last.

Dubbed 'the Farewell Tour', the week-long event will run until Sunday, April 28, offering up different specials and celebrations each day. While the $1 drinks are only available on Monday and Tuesday, plenty of entertainment is on the agenda from Wednesday onwards, including trivia, DJs, a drag show and musicians from the Elwood Blues Club.

Find The Prince Hotel at 2 Acland Street, St Kilda. It's open from 7am–11pm, daily.