.jpg?auto=format,compress&w=728&h=486&fit=crop)
For eight years, it has stood behind scaffolding—a silent promise on the corner of Flinders and King Streets. This November, the finally wraps come off.
Sand Hill Road, the mega-venue behind The Espy and Garden State Hotel, is unveiling The Waterside Hotel, a seven-level hospitality landmark set to elevate Melbourne’s social landscape.
The venue is a careful restoration of a piece of Melbourne's soul, brought to life by Technē Architecture and interior designer Eleisha Gray. The heritage-listed 1925 façade remains, but behind it lies a world reimagined.
As Matt Mullins, co-owner of Sand Hill Road, explains, “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.”
The Waterside Hotel is a journey through moods and flavours. It begins at street level with the warm, familiar hum of a Public Bar and Beer Garden, serving modern Australian pub fare. But ascend, and the venue transforms.
Spanning three levels is PAST/PORT, a South-East Asian dining concept led by executive chef Sarah Chan (formerly of The Espy’s Mya Tiger), curating a culinary adventure. The venue saves the best for last on the rooftop, where a cocktail bar and lush terrace offer panoramic city views.
But for Mullins, the grandeur is always in service of connection. “The Waterside Hotel is not just about grand design–it’s about how people connect to the rooms, the mood, and each other,” he adds.“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.” This November, a historic site will begin its next chapter, poised to be a new stage for the city’s stories.
Find The Waterside Hotel at 508 Flinders Street (corner of King Street), Melbourne CBD. More opening details to be announced here soon.
Main Image Credit: The Waterside Hotel | Supplied
What’s On: Drop It Like Snoop Dogg Is Playing Free At An Iconic St Kilda Venue
Looking for the best things to do in Melbourne this weekend? From blockbuster food festivals and pop-up markets to immersive art shows, live music gigs and family-friendly events, the city is heaving with must-see happenings.
Latin American Fine Diner Makes Way For Wine Bar & Boutique Bottle-O
It takes a lot of courage to up-stumps when you know something isn't working, and that's what one of Melbourne's best chefs has done with his Latin American passion project.
Where To Watch The AFL Grand Final In Melbourne
Let’s cut straight to the chase, Melbourne. After a few years of chaotic fixture changes and interstate envy, the question on every footy fan's lips as we look to the future is: where are we watching the holy grail of Australian sport in 2025?