Timing is everything, and we’re glad The Prince Hotel got the memo. These absolute legends have snuck in another refresh just in time for summer. If you're after a banging spot for sunset sips, you’ll find the same iconic St Kilda pub with the spirit we know and love and a stellar new menu to boot.
With four unique spaces to park up in, a packed gig guide, and live sport showing all summer long, there's a spot to keep everyone in your fam chat, friendship crew and book club happy.
Here's everything to expect on a visit to The Prince Hotel in St Kilda.
Public Bar
The beloved Prince Public Bar is steeped in history, and as far as the pub scene in Melbourne goes, it’s a bit of a legend. One of the oldest LGBTQIA+ friendly pubs in the city, this has long been a spot for locals to gather, share a drink and have a cracking time. Rest assured the same familiar facade and red umbrellas greet you when you arrive on Acland Street. Inside, you'll find a bright and warmly lit space with a sprawling natural timber bar and sleek tiling in a nod to the venue's heritage.
Open from 7am on weekdays and 8am on weekends 'til late, this isn’t your average pub. We can’t think of many others that serve up fancy French toast with poached fruit, pistachio and oat crumble to pair with your flat white. No complaints here, though.
Tuck into elevated pub classics like chicken schnitzel with café de Paris butter and brassica slaw, or a chicken parma with prosciutto and mozzarella. The Prince team have also refreshed their bevvie offering, so you’re all set to wash down your pub fare with anything from a crispy cold pint of Balter XPA to an Amaretto Sour.
Strapped for cash? Check out their full rundown of events and specials, including a $30 charcoal chook on Tuesdays, and the ‘Sunday Roast Royale’ for just $35pp. Your choice of Valencia pork belly or Southern Ranges beef served with all the trimmings. That's every Sunday.
Little Prince Wine Bar
If you’re more in the mood for a pre-dinner wine and snack, or a great place to yap with friends, Little Prince is where it's at. Take your place at the expansive communal table (flanked by racks upon racks of booze), or retreat to a more intimate nook for date night.
With a Euro-inspired menu available from lunch through dinner, expect the usual suspects like oysters and frites, as well as larger share plates like wood-grilled cabbage, stracciatella and salmoriglio, or potato bun, mortadella, kalamata jam and crispy shallot.
The super knowledgeable Little Prince team are on hand to help you pick the perfect drop from their extensive range of local and international bottles. And, if you’re just swinging past for a quick snack, enjoy complimentary bites with any drink purchase from 4-7pm on weeknights.
Prince Bandroom
Once you're fuelled up on burrata and riesling, head upstairs to the legendary Prince Bandroom to catch a live gig. Welcoming musical icons to the stage for over six decades, it’s fair to say these guys know how to curate an epic lineup. First opening its doors in 1950, the Prince Bandroom stage has welcomed sets from Midnight Oil, Lenny Kravitz and even Billie Eilish in more recent years.
With a packed lineup of eclectic performers locked in for 2025, you’re sure to find something to get excited about. Catch The Yachtski Brothers in late Jan to groove like it’s 1979, or pick up the pace with Dublin’s electronic duo Obskϋr.
Head here for the full summer program, and to find tickets and more info.
The Deck
Complete with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing Melbourne’s stunning skyline, The Deck is the perfect summer park-up spot. There's even a killer rotation of events on offer throughout summer (like their Sunset Pilates and Prosecco sessions).
For more summer events, keep an eye on The Prince Hotel’s website.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by The Prince Hotel. and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.
Images: Supplied.