The landmark Metropolitan Hotel of inner Melbourne has reopened following a multi-million-dollar refurbishment, transforming it into a three-storey ‘mega venue’.
First established 170 years’ ago, the historic pub now standing on the corner of William and Little Lonsdale Street – in the heart of Melbourne’s legal precinct – was built in 1937 and dons a heritage façade.
It has reopened just in time for Spring, restored to its former beauty, sporting exposed red brickwork and original arched windows.
The revised Hotel is the work of hospitality doyen Roger Okalyi, known for successfully redesigning, launching and operating venues including Middle Park Hotel, The Original Motel Nightclub, Beach Hotel and Boardwalk Bar.
“There is something magical about taking over a venue steeped in history and developing it into a modern day offering,” says Okalyi. “Finding that balance between contemporary style whilst retaining the nostalgic tones of the building is a real art.”
Able to hold over 530 people, each floor provides a unique experience. At street level guests are greeted by a large artistic showpiece designed by renowned Melbourne street artist RONE, which complements the bar and restaurant setting.
Level one offers an entirely different vibe in the sleek cocktail lounge, decked out with plush and modern settings in deep blue velvet and gold, serving signature cocktails and late-night bites to tunes spun by DJs through a state-of-the-art sound system. The lounge is a place to stop in for a nightcap, dance the night away and maybe even “rub shoulders with the who’s-who of Melbourne”.
At the top is the rooftop alfresco area, with views of the former Royal Mint Building and surrounding cityscape. Floor-to-ceiling automatic doors and a climate control system blends the indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing patrons to soak up the surrounds in all weather conditions and long after the sun has gone down.
From the kitchen comes Aussie pub classics and share-plates with international influence, beside a drinks menu boasting a distinguished list of sommelier-selected wines and craft beers.
The major renovation was backed by private developer DeGroup – a family-run business specialising in residential, retail, hospitality and commercial property development across Melbourne.
The Hotel forms the base of a 20-storey building, below 17 floors of boutique office space.
Inside, the aesthetic of an up-market vintage pub comes via design by Bates Smart, intertwining heritage and contemporary elements and catering to an assortment of preferences, by “blurring the boundaries between spaces”.
Okalyi expects the new Metropolitan will “singlehandedly draw the crowds back to the heart of Melbourne”.
263 William Street, Melbourne
