Overview
Nearly two years ago, the Village Belle Hotel — a St Kilda institution built in 1890 — announced that it was gearing up for a mega makeover. That process, conducted to the tune of $15 million, is now done and dusted. And the results are open for business.
Given that the hotel is heritage-listed, many of its features are protected, but there have been a few significant additions. Next time you head in for a drink, look out for the Garden Bar, the Balcony Bar, the Public Bar and the Doulton Lounge, which is open until late.
In the kitchen, you'll find Mat McCartney (The Lake House, Daylesford, Chateau Yering) in charge. He's been busy sourcing local and sustainable produce to create a refreshing and ever-changing, yet accessible, menu. Current dishes include eggplant tofu with goats curd, ash bread, crispy kale and grilled vegetables; handmade pumpkin tortellini with sage beurre noisette, Persian fetta, spinach and pine nuts; and crema Catalana, which is like a crème brûlee, but with a thinner crust and a dash of extra zing, thanks to addition of orange rind.
There's also a new cocktail menu to mark the revamp. Among the signature concoctions are the vanilla margarita, the belle-ini (with white peach reduction and sparkling wine) and the lemon meringue cocktail (with house-made lemon curd and meringue infused with Licor 43 and Agwa).
The Village Belle Hotel is at 202 Barkly St, St Kilda. Opening hours are Monday to Wednesday, 9am to 1am; Thursday to Saturday, 9am to 3am; and Sunday, 10am to 12am. For more information, visit the pub's website.