The Angel of Malvern

Overview

The Angel of Malvern, situated on the corner of Glenferrie and Dandenong Roads, has finally reopened after many years lying dormant. The iconic corner pub, first established in 1856, has returned to find its rightful place as a buzzing hub for its community. 

Like many of Melbourne's old-timey pubs, this imposing corner building has a storied history. First known as The Gardiner Hotel, it was located in a bustling area, set along the primary stock route outbound to Gippsland. Later, it became home to cricket and pigeon shooting facilities; then, in another life, it was the upbeat Nicabela's — a rowdy nightclub and occasional celebrity haunt. Most recently, it was known as the Angel Tavern. Following its closure, the venue lay dormant for several years. 

The Angel of Malvern has now reopened its doors under the custodianship of Refinery Group, powered by luxury developer, Kokoda Group. The ground-floor Public Bar cements the venue as a classic and authentic public house, designed to be a neighbourhood-driven venue that is lively, yet easy-going, contemporary yet grounded in legacy. 

"The Angel has always been part of the fabric of Malvern. This next chapter is about restoring that role, creating a place people return to regularly, not just for occasions, but as part of everyday life, bringing a fresh take and new life to neighbourhood hospitality," says Mark Stevens, Founder and Managing Director of Refinery Group. 

The drinks program is led by Group Operations Manager Liam Burns, and while beer remains a central offering, a stellar list of signature cocktails stands out as well. The Angel Negroni features Cocchi Americano, gin, bergamot and grapefruit, whereas the Jas Hands blends Terra vodka with jasmine, peach and mango. 

"We wanted the drinks at the Public Bar to reflect the personality of the space: approachable, lively, and full of character. Collaborating with Hawkers to create the Angel Lager was a chance to craft something unique for the venue, a beer that locals and visitors can come back to time and time again," says Burns. 

Designed by Refinery Group Executive Chef Justin North and executed by Head Chef Josh Rudd, the menu presents pub classics that are produce-led, familiar, yet elevated. Crunch on fried chicken with ranch sauce and pickles, smash a chicken parma with slaw and fries, devour a cheeseburger on a milk bun, and of course, share a ginger sticky date pudding with whisky caramel sauce to finish. 

The space, reimagined by Studio McCue, is designed to honour the building's history, while bringing it into the modern day, with original brickwork sitting alongside steel-framed glazing and terrazzo. "Our intent was to create something that feels familiar, a place locals return to. The core idea was to introduce a series of insertions that link the design across all three levels, while allowing each space to have its own character. There's a sense of nostalgia when you step into the public bar, but it's modernised with a respect for the building's history. We wanted Malvern locals to feel that this is a space for them, whether it's for an everyday drink, a meal or a celebration," says Chris McCue. 

Images: Supplied. 

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