Prince Public Bar

This iconic St Kilda pub has been reborn, with a reconfigured interior architecture that restores its former glory and celebrates its storied history, while also laying the foundation for a bright future.

The refurbishment of the Prince Public Bar is part of a wider program of work at St Kilda’s Prince Hotel, which includes the Prince Dining Room and Little Prince Wine. But in some ways it’s the most important part, given its prominent location and direct connection to life on Fitzroy Street.

Time had not been kind to the bar, so we set about restoring original art deco features that had been removed or concealed, reorienting aspects of the floor plan to create greater connection between interior spaces and, by replacing windows in the front facade with doors, opening the interior up to the street.

2020
St Kilda, Boonwurrung Land

Patrons

180pax

Floor Area

435m²

Previously sectioned off into a public bar and queer friendly bar, the space is now unified around a single large bar that reimagines the original open layout. The pride flag that once hung on the dividing wall is remembered in the rainbow sheen of a dichroic glass bottle shelf.

A central block of toilets was moved to the rear of the building, opening up the floor plan and creating space for a new bistro-style dining zone. Research into the history of the building revealed that the European manufacturer of the hotel’s original floor tiles is still in operation, so similar tiles were sourced and laid in a new pattern that defines the bistro as well as hallways and access points.

In addition to restoring the bar’s period features, we’ve also honoured the rich cultural history of the place, with photographs, posters and visual artifacts that document the different ways the space has been used, from grand seaside hotel to sticky-floored rock venue.

The interior is given a contemporary edge with a palette that includes natural timbers and rainbow-finished steel; robust materials that are practical for the busy pub environment, and that will patinate over time, adding character and personality.

The Prince Public Bar now recreates the classic pub environment, with a diverse range of options for patrons. For example, standing at the central bar, perching on a stool at a high table, lounging on a banquette, or having a meal in the bistro.

This reflects the broader strategy at the Prince Hotel, to offer a menu of experiences that meet different needs and different moods, from hotel accommodation and formal dining, to a pub meal or a quick glass of wine. And bringing these all together, one final piece of engineering work: the relocation of a back-of-house stairway to provide a direct connection between the hotel lobby and the pub.

Not long ago, the front facade of the Prince Public Bar was seemingly impenetrable and intimidating to all but the most seasoned locals. Now it’s open and hospitable, a contemporary pub that welcomes everyone.

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