Sand Hill Road’s mammoth transformation of The Waterside Hotel is nearing completion, with the landmark venue set to open in November.
Situated on the corner of Flinders and King streets in Melbourne, the pub has been under redevelopment for eight years, with Sand Hill Road preparing to unveil a seven-level venue that combines heritage character and contemporary hospitality.
While the heritage 1925 façade has been retained, the interior has been completely reworked to house multiple bars, dining areas and garden terraces offering panoramic views of the city.
Matt Mullins, co-owner of Sand Hill Road, says: “The Waterside Hotel is the culmination of decades revitalising pubs across Melbourne. We’re deeply passionate about breathing new life into treasured venues, and we felt that now was the perfect time to revive The Waterside Hotel – restoring this iconic landmark while offering something truly unique for Melbourne, that is on a global scale.”
Patrons will find a public bar and beer garden on the ground floor, serving classic Australian pub fare. Upstairs, south-east Asian restaurant PAST / PORT will span three levels and include a rooftop cocktail bar, outdoor terrace and private event spaces. Spearheading the food program across the entire venue is executive chef Sarah Chan, who played an integral role in developing the concept for The Espy’s Cantonese restaurant and bar Mya Tiger.
The design was conceptualised in collaboration with Technē Architecture, Kapitol and interior designer Eleisha Gray, introducing new, vibrant spaces and elevated design to the historic building. The landmark project is designed to reflect Sand Hill Road’s signature design-led, service-focused philosophy.
“The Waterside Hotel is not just about grand design – it’s about how people connect to the rooms, the mood, and each other. We’ve strived to create something that carries the soul of a Melbourne pub, but on a scale and ambition that feels truly world-class,” added Mullins.
Sand Hill Road – the group behind venues such as The Espy in St Kilda, Garden State Hotel in Melbourne’s CBD and Richmond Club Hotel – is now concentrating its efforts on the relaunch of The Waterside Hotel. The group acquired the hotel in May 2017, and by October unveiled its first renovation.
In the new iteration of The Waterside Hotel, the team will apply the same approach that has defined its previous projects, celebrating the venue’s history while creating a new hospitality experience.