This iconic St Kilda pub has been reborn, with a reconfigured interior architecture that restores its former glory and celebrates its storied history, while also laying the foundation for a bright future.

The refurbishment of the Prince Public Bar is part of a wider program of work at St Kilda’s Prince Hotel, which includes the Prince Dining Room and Little Prince Wine. But in some ways it’s the most important part, given its prominent location and direct connection to life on Fitzroy Street. Time had not been kind to the bar, so we set about restoring original art deco features that had been removed or concealed, reorienting aspects of the floor plan to create greater connection between interior spaces and, by replacing windows in the front façade with doors, opening the interior up to the street.

Previously sectioned off into a public bar and queer friendly bar, the space is now unified around a single large bar that reimagines the original open layout. The pride flag that once hung on the dividing wall is remembered in the rainbow sheen of a dichroic glass bottle shelf.

The Prince Public Bar now recreates the classic pub environment, with a diverse range of options for patrons. This reflects the broader strategy at the Prince Hotel, to offer a menu of experiences that meet different needs and different moods, from hotel accommodation and formal dining, to a pub meal or a quick glass of wine.

Not long ago, the front façade of the Prince Public Bar was seemingly impenetrable and intimi-dating to all but the most seasoned locals. Now it’s open and hospitable, a contemporary pub that welcomes everyone.

Location: St Kilda, VIC
Name of Traditional Owners of the land on which the project is built: Boonwurrung Land
Year: 2020
Area: 435m2