Overview
News just in that The Prince Hotel, one of Melbourne's most storied pubs, will enter its next chapter under the watchful eye of hospo veteran Grant Smillie. While undergoing a significant transformation, the venue will still continue to trade throughout 2026.
The Prince Hotel in St Kilda has been a cornerstone of the city's music, nightlife and hospitality scene for many decades. Now, Smillie will take the reins, aiming to reintroduce the iconic venue to a new generation while also giving loyal customers an opportunity to reconnect with it. Live music and entertainment will remain central to its identity.
Smillie is no stranger to the spot. He spent much of his early career DJing and performing at The Prince, making his return personal and fortuitous. "Returning to The Prince feels like a full circle moment for me. I spent many formative years there during the Onelove era and know the space intimately. I'm energised about the prospect of evolving the existing offering at The Prince and creating something that honours its nostalgic past while creating something new," says Smillie.
The creative redirection of The Prince has been designed by Smillie, in collaboration with Projects of Imagination. The Prince Deck will undergo the most significant change, with the removal of the pool making space for a new restaurant and bar. The Public Bar will return to offering classic pub fare, and the Little Prince Wine Store will evolve into a more contemporary offering.
"The Prince is one of those rare venues that has genuinely shaped this city — especially within music and culture. For me, taking on this project isn't about reinvention; it's about evolution. I want to honour everything that has made The Prince iconic, while opening the door to what it can become," says Smillie.
Images: Supplied.
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