The Hawthorn Hotel Is Making a Grand Comeback and Reopening This Week

Melbourne temporarily lost a legendary party spot and uni student haunt when the Hawthorn Hotel closed its doors last year. But now, the long-running boozer has been reincarnated by hospitality giant Australian Venue Co (Fargo & Co, The Smith, State of Grace) — and it's reopening on Tuesday, June 22.

The Burwood Road pub is sporting a brand-new look after its recent refurb, so expect a slightly different vibe to what you might remember from those second-year uni nights out. The space has been fitted out with a healthy dose of indoor foliage and exposed brick walls, as well as new TV screens — to show sports — and a revamped all-weather beer garden.

Dishing up affordable eats, regular specials and a friendly, neighbourhood feel, the Hawthorn's newest incarnation is set to tempt students and regular pub-goers alike. Even its famous Tightarse Tuesdays are making a comeback, offering a budget-friendly serve of late-night entertainment and happy hour drinks each week — although they won't return until Melbourne's current COVID-19 restrictions ease.

From the kitchen comes a strong lineup of pub classics — think: fish 'n' chips, a parma, and a beef pie with mushy peas and gravy — along with newer creations like a lamb and cos salad, pan-roasted salmon, and a whole fried chicken served with both piri piri and gravy. There's a handful of burgers — hello, double beef and bacon burger — while snackers will be chuffed by the likes of barbecue chicken nachos, house-made sausage rolls, and a garlic and mozzarella cob loaf.

The usual suspects grace the tap-list and the Aussie wine selection, though you might find it hard to pass up the lineup of $15 cocktails. It features sips ranging from a classic negroni and old fashioned to the signature sour cherry gin smash. Kicking off from Monday, June 28, expect a regular program of weekly specials, live tunes, Sunday roasts, daily happy hours and more, too.

Find The Hawthorn Hotel at 481 Burwood Road, Hawthorn, from Tuesday, June 22. It's open 12pm–12am Monday, 12pm–1am Tuesday, 12pm–12am Wednesday and Thursday, 12pm–1am Friday and Saturday, and 12–11pm Sunday.