Waterside Hotel

The Verdict

The Waterside Hotel has been a mainstay of Flinders Street since 1853, when it had a licence from 6am when the wharfies working on the Yarra River knocked off.

Fair to say there would’ve been a rough crowd rolling in and out of its doors back 150 years ago, but these days, it’s a little more refined.

Sand Hill Road have recently given the three-storey pub a bit of a cut and polish, bringing to it the knowledge and know how that they’ve learnt from renovating the likes of Terminus Hotel in Richmond, and Prahran Hotel in Prahran amongst others.

Downstairs you’ll find the old-school bar at the front, along with the original dining room, which is where you’ll find all manner of steak dishes, and locally sourced produce. They’ve also kitted out the old keg storage room and named it 'The Doghouse', and it’s one of the best new spaces we’ve seen this year, perfect for any event.

The middle level is where you’ll find the champagne bar, perfect for a bit of quiet time with the crew, or if you feel like you need something a bit fancier than your classic bar feel.

Up on top you’ll find 'The Roof', which given we’re nearly into summer is about to come into its own.

Image credit: Brook James