The Angel of Malvern, situated on the corner of Glenferrie and Dandenong Roads, has 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. This July, The Angel of Malvern has unveiled its two latest venues: a Mediterranean wine bar and eatery, Flores, and a cocktail and listening bar, Lately. The latest openings complete the pub's diverse drinking, dining and entertainment offerings, cementing it as a true local hub for the community. "We want Flores to feel like the kind of neighbourhood wine bar people naturally gravitate towards, somewhere equally suited to a long lunch, a spontaneous dinner or a glass of wine that turns into another bottle. It's warm, welcoming and built around great food, good drinks and bringing people together, whether you're a local neighbour or visiting from further afield," says Mark Stevens, founder and managing director of Refinery Group. The menu, designed by Justin North (Refinery Group Executive Chef) and Josh Rudd (Head Chef), is inspired by the coastal flavours of Spain, Portugal and Southern Italy, and spans signature snacks, antipasti, pastas and larger sharing plates. The marble charcuterie station adds an interactive element. There's everything from zucchini and manchego croquettes to prawn toast with Aleppo pepper, Portugese roast chicken to prawn and lobster ravioli with a citrus and lemongrass bisque. "Flores is designed to feel energetic and generous, yet relaxed. From snacks and salumi through to handmade pasta and larger-format dishes, it's food designed for sharing. We wanted to capture the generous spirit of European dining, with a menu that celebrates bold flavours, quality local produce and the joy of gathering around the table." Off the main restaurant, Bar Flores offers an intimate vantage point of the dining room, and serves its own menu of Mediterranean bar snacks. The semi-private space, perfect for pre-dinner drinks, cosy celebrations and gatherings, showcases a rotating selection of carefully curated drops. The Cellar, a private dining room attached to the main restaurant, sits 12 guests for a special occassion. When you've finished dinner, head upstairs to Lately, The Angel's new, late-night listening bar, designed for after-hours hangouts. Cocktails, music, and intimate conversation take centre stage. Settle into a chocolate-upholstered banquette while enjoying the sounds from the DJ booth, which will showcase rotating artists, until 3am on Friday and Saturday nights. "We wanted to create a space that was sexy and inviting; the venue is layered with warm textures and low lighting; timber-panelled walls, feature sconces by local designers Objects for Thought and a Valerina stone-clad bar, one of several heroes in the space with its giant terrazzo-like natural formations curled around the bar ends," says Studio McCue Director, Chris McCue. Images: Supplied. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
