AVC opens new Melbourne pub Gardiner Hotel

Australian Venue Co (AVC) has opened its newest pub, The Gardiner Hotel, in the Melbourne suburb of Malvern on 29 November.

Positioned within the National Bank building established in 1915, the Gardiner Hotel was designed to pay homage to the surrounding area’s history and culture. The name itself is a nod to the suburbs’ John Gardiner, known for his achievements in the early establishments of Malvern.

To recreate a traditional pub environment, the interior design features a ground-level public bar and dining space as well as a rooftop terrace and private function room. The AVC team worked closely with the Red Design Group who assisted with the hotel’s architecture. All interior layering and furnishings were completed on time with the help of an in-house team after a seven-month building process.

Venue manager Scott Matthews described the area as a place of rich history with strong community foundations. Matthews said: “It’s a beautiful building in a great location and community. We recognised the need for something like The Gardiner in Malvern, a casual pub where everyone can gather and enjoy with their friends and family”.

With intentions to create a community spirit, Matthews explained that the Gardiner will be a place of gathering for the local and surrounding neighborhoods. 

“We want everyone to feel welcomed, every day of the week. The demand was there for a casual pub offering like The Gardiner, something that appeals to different occasions and patrons. Whether it’s a casual knock-off after work to watch a game in the public bar or it’s a sit-down meal with family in the dining room, spaces like these along with our rooftop provide choice for patrons to enjoy no matter what they’re looking for,” he said.

Head chef Michael Flemming (ex Arkhe and Press Food and Wine) will lead the hotel’s kitchen, serving plates like smoked beetroot and cauliflower cheese croquettes for grazing, with Sunday roast as one of the additional weekly specials on offer. The menu will also include traditional pub classics with chicken schnitzel and fish and chips, as well as a kid’s menu also available.

 The opening of Gardiner Hotel is the latest renovation activity from AVC in Melbourne. The pub group also closed The Crafty Squire in the CBD in early September for a  major renovation. The first stage of The Crafty Squire’s revamp is expected to re-open this summer.