Hotel South Melbourne
/
Entering a new era of refined dining within slick and spacious interiors, Hotel South Melbourne has returned the 1854 building to its original purpose: pouring pints, slinging parmas and offering a relaxed, yet sophisticated place to watch the afternoon footy.
Entering from South Melbourne’s Clarendon Street, be greeted at the front bar and spacious 120-seater dining space and 70 seat bar or mosey on upstairs for private dining, featuring three nooks perched above the main dining room and ample function space for up to 160 guests. Level 1 also features a second bar and airy beer garden to bask in the sunny and salty South Melbourne air.
With multiple dining options, guests are invited to choose their pub-venture with spaces to suit all occasions, moods and party sizes. For a sophisticated and elevated dining experience, spoil yourself with the main dining menu. Or for something more casual, there is the public bar menu which features tried and true classics (think good old chicken schnitty, cheeseburger and Caesar salad).
We opted to leave our dining experience in the capable hands of Chef Lewis Bryce (ex-Supernormal) by indulging in the tasting menu from the more elevated main dining menu. This was a decision we did not regret. All dishes were elegant, wonderfully presented and packed full of flavour.
To start, the loved the exceedingly fresh kingfish served with avocado, chives with and citrus ponzu as well as the plate of heirloom tomato with heady whipped parmesan and basil. For mains, the slow cooked lamb shoulder served with marinated eggplant, saltbush and romesco sauce was so tender it simply melted in our mouths. For seafood lovers, do not go past the pan-fried snapper with capers, burnt butter, lemon and parsley. Dessert time continued to please with a picture-perfect chocolate mousse with salted caramel and honeycomb.
With over 17 years of hospitality experience, Bryce and the Melbourne Food and Brew team have collaborated to create a confident menu that includes a balanced mix of fan favourites and modern Australian cuisine. Without exception, each of the dishes we tried were finessed, cohesive and boasted wonderful flavours.
Location: 160 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205
Phone: (03) 9056 5569
