{"id":13805,"date":"2026-05-19T00:09:13","date_gmt":"2026-05-19T00:09:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/13805\/"},"modified":"2026-05-19T00:09:13","modified_gmt":"2026-05-19T00:09:13","slug":"oconnells-hotel-in-south-melbourne-reopens-under-new-management-hospitality","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/13805\/","title":{"rendered":"O’Connell’s Hotel in South Melbourne reopens under new management – hospitality"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cThe goal was to evolve O\u2019Connell\u2019s without losing what people love about it,\u201d says Managing Director Brenton Lang. Lang is part of the team behind The Flying Duck Hotel in Prahran, and alongside Head Chef Michael Conlon, he\u2019s now operating South Melbourne\u2019s O\u2019Connell\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s always been a local institution, we didn\u2019t want to lose that. But we also felt there was room to elevate the experience in a way that still feels relaxed and local,\u201d says Lang.<\/p>\n

The 150-year-old pub has undergone a significant shakeup, with an extensive renovation and a new menu, which focuses on Australian native ingredients and wood-fired elements.<\/p>\n

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Conlon says the menu centres around \u201cwhat we love about Aussie food\u201d. \u201cThink Aussie beef and seafood, native ingredients, with the relaxed environment of a pub.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wood-fired prawns with smoked macadamia butter and native bush tomato are a highlight on the menu, alongside saltbush lamb shoulder, which is slow-cooked overnight, Josper-roasted, and served with flatbreads. Pub classics like a veal schnitzel with chips, gravy, and salad; fish of the day; and a selection of steaks also make an appearance. <\/p>\n

Subtle nods to O\u2019Connell\u2019s alumni remain, including a tribute to the late Greg Malouf through the venue\u2019s signature Silk Road Martini.<\/p>\n

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Melbourne designer Fiona Drago executed with venue\u2019s refurbishment with a warm contemporary palette of tan walls, maroon counters, and timber accents.<\/p>\n

Along with the public front bar, there\u2019s a 48-seat dining room, a 75-seat all-seasons terrace on Clarendon Street, and three private dining rooms.<\/p>\n

O\u2019Connell\u2019s Hotel is open daily at \u200b407 Coventry St, South Melbourne.<\/p>\n

For exclusive hospitality news every Tuesday and Thursday, subscribe\u00a0here<\/a>\u00a0or follow us on\u00a0LinkedIn<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n