This CBD Boozer’s $12M Glow-Up Gives A Whole New Meaning To Bar Hopping

Remember The Crafty Squire on the corner of Russell and Little Collins? The iconic venue has now reopened as Hickens Hotel, a name that nods back to its 1870s roots—and the legacy of British boxer and Aussie champ Ebenezer “Abe” Hicken, the venue’s original landlord.

Post-$12 million transformation, the now four-level venue (yep, they’ve added another floor!) blends more than 160 years of history with a distinctly modern pub offering across all levels. We’re talking live sport, karaoke, frosty brews, skyline views and a full kitchen lineup across multiple floors.

Keen for more of Melbourne's best pubs? Head this-a-way.

Downstairs sits the Carlton Lounge, a nostalgic 70s-style rumpus bar complete with Brewery Fresh Carlton Draught poured straight from copper tanks, one of the only places in Australia that serves up Carlton Black, fresh from the tap.

The floor, adorned with Carlton memorabilia, vintage mementos and pool tables, is adjoined to the bottle shop, housing the most stylish Carlton merch for all the brewski-lovers.

A short elevator ride up, the first floor hosts a laidback restaurant, and the only table service available at the Hickens, as well as a  terrace for mid-week bites or a casual round (or two) with mates. 

The second level will be a go-to for live sport. Furnished with plenty of big screens, comfy booths (yes—with their own screens), arcade games and, naturally, two karaoke rooms, this level is sure to keep just about anyone entertained.

And to top it all off (so-to-speak) is the brand new open air rooftop primed for knock-offs, golden hour cocktails and late night hangs, preempting the unreliable Melbourne weather with an undercover section, to be enjoyed rain or shine.

With a DJ and not one, but two, slushy machines, the rooftop area really is the cherry on top of Melbourne’s newest pub.

“Hickens will be the spot to go in the city,” says venue manager Giuseppe Lacava, “We’ve dialled in what makes a pub great and matched it with a nostalgic and playful personality.”

Hickens Hotel can be found at 127 Russell Street at the former The Crafty Squire address. The venue is now open, so get ready to lose track of time in this one-of-a-kind pub.

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