Australian Venue Co (AVC) continues to invest in Melbourne pubs, this time opening the Gardiner Hotel in Malvern while simultaneously unveiling its renovation of the Flinders Hotel on the Mornington Peninsula.
Previously the old National Bank building, The Gardiner’s doors opened last Friday following a seven-month renovation to the 109-year-old building.
Owned by Paul Tuddenham, son of the Magpies’ Des Tuddenham, the landmark building is found on the corner of Glenferrie and Wattletree Road and has been reimagined with consideration to the surrounding area.
The building also boasts a life-sized mural of Tuddenham (Sr) wearing a Collingwood jumper, riding his bike.
The three-level pub has its bar and dining space at ground level, as well as a private function room and rooftop terrace.
A seasonal menu including grazing share plates has been created by head chef Michael Flemming (previously of Arkhe and Press Food & Wine, in South Australia).
At the same time, the Flinders Hotel has revealed its $1.45 million makeover.
The 135-year-old pub has had upgrades to its lobby, sports bar, bistro and menu, with the changes inspired by the local area.
New features include heritage style tiling and panelling in the lobby, upgraded AV and TV screens in the sports bar, and banquette seating and native greenery in the bistro.
The menu focuses on seasonal local produce, featuring seafood and native ingredients.
The community hasn’t been forgotten, with a range of new weekly specials and events planned.
While the pub was originally built to serve the nearby cable station’s morse code trainers and staff, it is now a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
“We’re a home-away-from-home for many people and a favourite weekly local for others, everything has been done with our customers in mind and we can’t wait to see them enjoy the renovated spaces especially over the Christmas period,” said venue manager Nicola Forbes.
