Spicy Watermelon Margs Are Coming To One Of Melbourne’s Oldest And Newly Revamped Pubs

Just down the street from what Melburnians proudly consider our sole landmark (Flinders Street Station), The Duke Of Wellington has been busy giving itself an overhaul fit for the most parched of patrons.

For pub purists, don’t be alarmed–The Duke hasn’t lost any of its original charm with this nip and tuck. On the contrary, it’s simply added some bells and whistles to a sturdy foundation and the rooftop remains a prime people-watching vantage point.

One of those bells in question comes in the form of Arthur’s, a cocktail bar soon to be heaving on level one of The Duke from March 15. Boasting a smorgasbord of new drinks and a mysterious snack menu courtesy of Executive Chef Telina Menzies, you'll want to experience your first Spicy Watermelon Margarita over and over again. 

Crafted with Olmeca Altos tequila, triple sec, lime, agave, watermelon and two secret ingredients (jalapeno sleeves and chili oil), the SWM might just be the meanest margarita you'll find in the city grid.

If you've been conned into a night out while your favourite team's playing, The Duke's ground floor is the perfect resolve. A sports bar to end all sports bars, the freshly-decorated room is riddled with screens displaying the night's most-watched matches. Conveniently, it's the closest sports bar to the MCG, making for an easy pre- and post-game destination.

Of course, no makeover is complete without a dining room redo. Found on level one alongside our new friend Arthur's, this slice of comfort features an updated menu with a tantalising selection. Highlights include the steak tartare (chives, horseradish crème, salted crisps, and egg yolk), spiced pumpkin dip (hung yoghurt, pumpkin seed crumble and flatbread). If you need to line that stomach, look no further than The Duke’s roast beef roll packed with scotch fillet, onions, hot mustard mayo, beef drippings and beer gravy for dipping, or you can rarely go wrong with their classic eggplant or chicken parma.

If you missed the grand re-launch, bookings are officially open for both Arthur's and the dining room.

Editor’s note: this article was produced in partnership with The Duke of Wellington. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.

Image: Supplied