After a $12 million renovation, the Russell Street corner that housed one of Melbourne’s older pubs has reopened as Hickens Hotel — four levels of drinking, dining, and entertainment that aims to become the CBD’s new social hub.
The extensive rebuild transforms what was previously a single-level operation into a multi-story venue that caters to different moods and occasions. Each floor serves a distinct purpose, from casual front bar drinks to rooftop cocktails with city views.
Ground level houses the Hickens Front Bar, designed as a quintessential Melbourne pub for people-watching and casual drinks. Alongside it sits The Carlton Lounge, billed as Australia’s first dedicated Carlton Draught bar. The space leans into 1970s rumpus room vibes with copper tank-fresh brews, archival memorabilia, and a pool table.
Level one focuses on food and drink with a restaurant serving what venue manager Giuseppe Lacava calls “classic Aussie pub favourites with a playful nod to nostalgia.” The menu includes cheese and Vegemite garlic bread, sticky honey chicken, traditional pub pies, and crab and corn croquette “fish fingers” served with XPA malt vinegar and smoked salt.
Sports fans will likely gravitate toward Abe’s Athletic Hall on level two. The space features multiple large screens, arcade games, foosball, karaoke rooms, and booth seating designed for groups watching live sport. Game-day packages include private screens with food and drinks included.
The rooftop caps off the venue with open-air drinking and dining overlooking the inner city. It’s positioned as the spot for Friday afternoon drinks, lunch meetings, and evening cocktails.
Entertainment runs throughout the week: Monday trivia from 7pm, Wednesday pool competitions in The Carlton Lounge, and live acoustic music Thursday through Sunday. Karaoke packages are available upstairs in Abe’s Athletic Hall.
The hotel takes its name from Ebenezer “Abe” Hicken, a British boxer turned Australian champion who managed the original pub and organized boxing matches in the 1870s. Lacava says they’ve incorporated Hicken’s sporting legacy into the modern venue’s identity.
“The new look blends almost 160 years of history and pub culture with a modern offering,” Lacava explains. “Think of it as an approachable social hub that’s versatile, no matter the occasion.”
The launch weekend coincides with the Wallabies versus Lions match at the MCG on Saturday July 26. Hickens opens at 10am for the occasion, serving breakfast beers and bacon and egg rolls alongside pre and post game entertainment.
With four distinct levels, the venue positions itself as a one-stop destination for everything from mid-week work lunches to private events, sports viewing, and weekend socialising.
Hickens Hotel, 127 Russell Street, Melbourne.
