The 160-Year-Old Oxford Scholar Has Reopened as a Contemporary Inner-City Drinking Den

One of Melbourne's old-school boozers has been given a new lease on life, with the reincarnation of The Oxford Scholar. The heritage-listed Swanston Street pub has once again opened its doors, sporting a new contemporary fit-out complete with a plant-filled courtyard and an assortment of bars and dining spaces.

The latest iteration of the 160-year-old venue has been imagined by March Studio (Section 8, Jimmy Grants), as a modern riff on an old English pub. And it's destined to revive its status as a well-loved uni haunt, with a swag of student specials and two floors of function spaces reserved exclusively for RMIT staff, student and alumni.

A modern assembly of warm timber, exposed brick and industrial elements has been used to create an inner-city haven that's primed for lunchtime feeds, after-work drinks and everything in between.

Peter Bennetts

From the bar, you'll find a crafty tap rotation of beers and ciders, alongside local wines, classic cocktails and an impressive collection of gin.

Meanwhile, the kitchen's dishing up a seasonal menu inspired by flavours from across the globe. Drop by for bites like haloumi fries matched with house-made baba ghanoush or Korean-style beef ribs starring pickled cucumber and mayonnaise. Larger plates might include the likes of a soy-glazed salmon poke bowl, a smashable seafood souvlaki loaded with prawns, calamari, lettuce, fries and garlic yoghurt, or a burger featuring cola-braised ribs and onion rings. Pub favourite — such as a classic parma and bangers and mash — also make an appearance.

Eugene Hyland

What's more, if you're a student or a staff member at RMIT across the street, you can look forward to a neat 15-percent-off eats and drinks, using the Oxford Scholar app. Locals will also score a ten percent discount.

Find The Oxford Scholar at 427 Swanston St, Melbourne. It's open from Monday–Friday, 8am–midnight; Saturday, midday–1am; and Sunday midday–11pm.

Images: Peter Bennetts and Eugene Hyland.