The divine Angel of Malvern reopens today under Kokoda’s Refinery Group, with the launch of Public Bar marking the first chapter in an upcoming “village of venues”.
Established 1856 and formerly known as the Railway Hotel, the Angel has been redesigned as a bustling, neighbourhood-driven venue that melds heritage character with contemporary features.
Friday 24 April, following a six-month overhaul, the new gleaming white hotel is back serving the public.
“The Angel has always been part of the fabric of Malvern,” says Refinery founder and MD Mark Stevens.
“This next chapter is about restoring that role, creating a place people return to regularly, not just for occasions, but as part of everyday life, bringing a fresh take and new life to neighbourhood hospitality.”
A space designed to feel “both familiar and new” comes from Melbourne-based Studio McCue, beginning with a Public Bar welcoming guests into a warm, relaxed setting that retains its public bar credentials courtesy of live sport and a 165-inch screen in the beer garden.
A light-filled six-metre atrium anchors the space, seeing a full-height glazed steel window wall visually connect the bar and new downstairs dining space to level one.
Honouring the building’s history while introducing modern elements, original brickwork and refurbished double-hung sash windows have been retained, tying in concrete and recycled timber and blending with new interventions, such as bespoke murals by Australian contemporary artist Steve Leadbeater.
“Our intent was to create something that feels familiar, a place locals return to,” offers Chris McCue, of Studio McCue.
“The core idea was to introduce a series of insertions that link the design across all three levels, while allowing each space to have its own character. There’s a sense of nostalgia when you step into the public bar, but it’s modernised with a respect for the building’s history.
“We wanted Malvern locals to feel that this is a space for them, whether it’s for an everyday drink, a meal or a celebration.”
Foodservice is geared to be approachable while “firmly rooted in the rhythm of a great public bar”.
The menu by executive chef Justin North and head chef Josh Rudd stars a grill selection, but centres on produce-led takes on pub classics and small plates, serving the likes of Fried Buttermilk Chicken, beer-battered fish and chips, an Angus beef burger and of course the obligatory Chicken Parma, with tweaks such as the Ginger Sticky Date Pudding for dessert.
There are an impressive thirty-two taps pouring a considered beer selection that includes house brew Angel Lager, made in collaboration with Reservoir’s Hawkers brewery. The wine list and a strong by-the-glass offering span local producers and benchmark European regions, and there is a selection of cocktails, including the signature Angel Negroni.
The corner pub is the cornerstone of the massive $450 million residential development Malvern Collective, completed last September by award-winning luxury developer Kokoda Property.
It is the first venue from Kokoda company Refinery Group, marking its entry into hospitality wielding a long-term vision grounded in creating “exceptional experiences” through design excellence and f&b.
Beyond the opening of the Angel’s Public Bar, Refinery Group has disclosed what’s ahead. Mediterranean-Italian-leaning wine bar and eatery Flores and Bar Flores is coming to level one, while intimate late-night cocktail and audio bar Lately will occupy level two.
Both are slated to open in June, completing a layered, all-day-to-late-night hospitality destination.
Late 2025 there was news Kokoda has purchased the Saint Hotel in St Kilda from Jon Adgemis’ failed Public Hospitality for $8 million.
The Angel of Malvern is reportedly the first in a pipeline of more than 10 hospitality brands Kokodo is planning across Melbourne and Brisbane, including the recently acquired The Saint, which is expected to open in coming months.
