After nine months dark, AVC has this week reopened Melbourne institution The Hawthorn Hotel.
The iconic 153-year-old pub closed in September 2020 due to the impacts of the coronavirus, but after a new deal was negotiated with the landlord and a comprehensive overhaul, the doors swung open again on Tuesday.
Front and centre is a new dining space, featuring a mix of high and low tables and bench seating and flat screen TVs to watch live sport, within exposed brick, arch windows, and plenty of lush greenery.
The new menu retains the pub classics, including the essential Chicken Parma and burgers such as the epic The Hawthorn – with double beef and bacon, with some new attractions well suited to students, in the Garlic & Mozzarella Cob Loaf, Mac & Cheese Bites and Homemade Sausage Rolls.
There are also shared feasts, offering Whole Fried Chicken & Sides, Whole Rack of Ribs & Sides, or the Mixed Grill Platter.
Value goes further in the $15 cocktail list, serving classics including the Espresso Martini, Negroni, Margarita and Aperol Spritz.
The Hawthorn’s popular beer garden has also had a complete overhaul, now decked with new communal furniture, fresh greenery and awnings for weather protection, making it ideal for crisp winter nights and summer catch-ups over a chilled beverage.
Locals benefit from a daily happy hour, as well as live music and sports and pub specials including Steak Night, Parma Night and a Sunday Roast, and The Hawthorn will soon welcome the return of its infamous Tightarse Tuesdays, for “cheap drinks, epic tunes and good times”. The weekly specials begin 28 June, and Happy hour and Tightarse Tuesdays will launch once COVID restrictions ease.
Aligning with landlord Swinburne University, The Hawthorn will reportedly work to help support local groups and associations as well as sporting clubs and the community, and has already welcomed back its heart and soul.
“The local students haven’t missed a beat – we’ve been busy from day one, it feels like we never left!” says Simon Caruso, AVC state manager for Victoria.
“Our Locals Launch Party on 2 July has already sold out, so we’re adding another round of tickets.”
