Four-level Melbourne pub Hickens Hotel launches with rooftop views, retro charm and a fresh pour straight from the copper tanks.
A cornerstone venue on Russell/Little Collins Streets in Melbourne’s CBD re-opens today as Hickens Hotel after an extensive $12million renovation. Now a four-level pub, including a brand-new sports bar and rooftop, Hickens Hotel is set to quickly become a favourite destination for socialising, sport and entertainment.
On the ground floor, guests will find the Hickens Front Bar, a quintessential Melbourne pub that’s ideal for casual drinks and people-watching. Plus, on the same level, there’s Australia’s first Carlton Draught bar, The Carlton Lounge, with copper tank-fresh brews, retro charm, 70s rumpus vibes, archival memorabilia and pool table.
Level One offers dining and drinks in the restaurant & bar. The menu is serving up classic Aussie pub favourites, with a playful nod to nostalgia throughout. Think Cheese & Vegemite Garlic Bread, a take on Sticky Honey Chicken, hearty pub pies and Crab & Corn Croquette ‘Fish Fingers’ with XPA & Malt Vinegar & Smoked Salt. Bar nibbles, share plates and moreish snacks will pair perfectly with casual drinks across all four levels.
Sports fans and those looking for a pub with personality will love Abe’s Athletic Hall on Level Two. With huge screens showcasing sports live and loud, arcade games, foosball, karaoke rooms and booths to hangout in, it’s the ultimate sports bar and entertainment hub – a celebration of sporting culture and a whole lot of fun.
Perched above all the action, is the brand-new open-air Rooftop with inner-city views made for social vibes. It’s perfect for quick and tasty lunches, Friday knockoffs, golden hour sips and social celebrations with a cocktail in-hand.
Entertainment is covered at Hickens hotel:
- Mondays – Trivia, from 7pm
- Wednesdays – Pool Comp in The Carlton Lounge, from 7pm
- Thursdays to Sundays – live acoustic tunes in The Carlton Lounge
- Karaoke Packages available in Abe’s Athletic Hall
- Game-Day Booth Packages in Abe’s Athletic Hall, including private screens, snacks and bevs
“Hickens is now the spot to go to in the city! We’ve dialled in on what makes a pub great leaning into a nostalgic and playful personality,” says Giuseppe Lacava, the pub’s Venue Manager. “Hickens Hotel was named after the pub’s manager, landlord, and once infamous British boxer and Australian champion, Ebenezer “Abe” Hicken, notorious for holding legendary boxing matches back in the1870’s. We’ve taken Abe’s love of sport and injected it into this iconic venue.”
With the extensive multi-level offering, Lacava says there is something for everyone. “The new look and vibe of the pub blends almost 160 years of history and pub culture with a modern offering. Think of it as an approachable social hub that’s versatile, no matter the occasion.”
Launch weekend for Hickens Hotel will be showing the Wallabies v The Lions at the MCG live & loud (Saturday 26th July, 7.45pm). Opening the doors from 10am for anyone in town ready to start early, the pub will be serving up brekky beers and bacon & egg rolls as well as live entertainment pre- and post-game.
With four levels within Hickens Hotel, Melburnians and visitors to the city can enjoy a truly unique pub experience – a buzzing hub of activity with plenty of personality and playful nostalgic charm. It’s an unrivalled spot for high energy sports atmosphere, rooftop cocktails, mid-week work lunches, social eats, private events and everything in between.
Hickens Hotel
127 Russell Street, Melbourne
