Palace Hotel

Overview

The Palace Hotel, a historic Camberwell pub, has reopened its doors following a major $7.5 million reno. Both the ground floor and upstairs of the Palace Hotel, which has been a cornerstone of the neighbourhood for over 130 years, have been transformed with a fresh design and a new culinary direction. 

Neil O'Connor, Venue Manager, says, "The Palace Hotel has always held a special place in Camberwell, and this renovation ensures it will continue to be a cherished gathering spot for generations to come. We've created a unique offering that caters to every mood and occasion, from a casual weeknight to a sophisticated evening out, all built around a serious dedication to quality [food and beverage]."

Executive Chef Tony Moss has designed a new menu for downstairs, focusing on classic pub meals like chicken parma and fish and chips. There is also steak frites with béarnaise sauce, a wagyu steak sando with caramelised onion, mozzarella and onion rings, and a barramundi pie with lemon butter sauce and creamed parsnip. "Downstairs, it's your classic local, but elevated… It's the perfect spot for walk-ins looking for that classic Melbourne pub experience," says O'Connor. 

The small plates menu, with a noticeable focus on native ingredients, is perfect for leisurely group gatherings, post-work drinks, or a few pints while watching the footy or enjoying live music. Go for crispy haloumi with pepperberry honey, fried calamari with lemon myrtle and citrus mayo,  or the lamb ribs with a coffee and wattleseed glaze. 

Upstairs has been restored into Josephine's Lounge, where Moss says, "you can't go past the smoked barramundi brioche" and the Roman-style pizzas. O'Connor adds, "Upstairs at Josephine's Lounge is where the night feels like it could go anywhere, whether it's a spontaneous date night, a pre-planned celebration, or that quick catch-up that turns into a long lunch."

The massive investment by ALH Hotels, part of the Endevour Group, "is a tangible representation of [their] deep commitment to revitalising and celebrating the heart of Australian communities — our pubs," says Paul Carew, Managing Director of ALH. "We believe in honouring the rich history of these iconic venues while innovating, to deliver truly outstanding food and beverage experiences."

Images: Supplied.