The Melbourne hospitality landmark formerly known as Oddfellows Hotel is being offered for lease, marketed as a chance to be part of the city’s celebrated dining landscape in one of its oldest surviving buildings.
Vendors ISPT have put up the building at 33-35 Little Lonsdale Street.
It was constructed in stages between 1848 and 1853, originally a cottage then a large house with a cellar and 15 rooms, part of which became what was known as the Oddfellows Hotel. The building’s original façade remains largely intact, representing a rare demonstration of the Colonial George style once common in the city.
In the 1990s it was restored and the interiors refurbished for commercial use. Around 2006 an extension was added at the rear and the building was converted to a bar and restaurant.
Melbourne’s CBD is undergoing renewal, inspiring new hospitality venues, laneway activations and inner-city living. A “light refurbishment” was recently undertaken on the building, which comprises 562sqm over two levels, plus rooftop terrace and a spacious laneway beer garden.
The space would suit a pub, bar, restaurant or function space, and is proximate to celebrated eateries such as Longrain, Ho Chi Mama, Bodega Underground, Florentino and Pellegrini’s.
The lease is being sold by Expressions of Interest, closing Wednesday, 13 March, through Fitzroys’ James Lockwood and Franklin Gikas, in conjunction with Mitchell Humphreys of Future Proof.
Agents says there is “a lot of history” in the building and they are looking for a good operator to revive it.
“This is an incredibly rare landmark heritage hospitality opportunity in a prime position in the Melbourne CBD’s dynamic East End,” says Lockwood.
“Operators have the chance to become part of the lineage of Melbourne CBD’s famous hospitality scene.”
