The Albion in South Melbourne Reopens This February (And It’s Been Worth The Wait)

The long-awaited launch of South Melbourne’s iconic venue, The Albion is set to open its doors on Saturday 10 February.

After the devastating fire in 2015, which left the venue in shambles only 10 days before opening, owners, who include ex-Collingwood football player Dane Swan, Matt Darcy, Trent Casson of Domain and ex-Melbourne Storm rugby players Robbie Kearns and Danny Williams, have taken the opportunity to rebuild a premium lifestyle venue even better than planned.

As a gentle reminder that just like a proverbial phoenix rises from the ashes so to does The Albion, the team have left a section of the original damaged wall that can also be seen on display. “It was gut-wrenching to see all our hard work disappear so close to completion but we got to work fast and with the help of our incredible team we’re proud to say The Albion is back,” says Swan.

Originally opened in 1869 as The Albion Hotel, the location was best known as home to popular hot spots – The Motel and The Roxy. Now almost 150 years after being built, it returns to its original roots and namesake – The Albion.

Sprawling three unique floors, the venue features a spectacular rooftop bar with striking views of the Melbourne city skyline, complemented with lush greenery and timber finishes. The middle floor offers a sophisticated Lounge Bar with ambient lighting and accents of brass. Designed with decadence and framed by luxurious leather booths, it embodies all the trimmings for any occasion. On the ground-level an elevator in the original shaft whisks patrons between levels.

Seamlessly transitioning into a club, The Albion will feature Melbourne’s best DJs with a unique sound system, which directs sound to the dance floor and state-of-the-art screens throughout the venue. A 5am licence for Fridays and Saturdays further cements The Albion as a Melbourne’s premiere late-night destination. “We wanted to create an all-inclusive lifestyle venue, a place where patrons can come for the food and stay for the nightlife,” says Darcy.

Previously only offering drinks when the venue was known as The Motel, the addition of a full kitchen sees The Albion deliver a carefully curated and balanced menu featuring sophisticated yet simple items derived from local ingredients. Bar snacks include crispy lotus root chips with kewpie mayo, and for share plates choose from soft shell crab bao or vegan-friendly miso glazed tofu. For more substantial items, signature dishes include the seared nori tuna and cider braised pork belly. Lunch deals are also sure to be popular with locals.

With one of the largest rooftop bars in Melbourne, The Albion’s extensive drinks list will not disappoint. Kick start your summer rooftop sessions with cocktails like the Givender, a refreshing G&T made with lavender, St Germain Elderflower, Bombay Sapphire and Capi Tonic. Order from an array of sparkling, red and white wines, and for special occasions the cellar list awaits. For beer lovers choose from eight varieties on tap including Fat Yak and Goose Midway IPA and thirteen local and international bottled beers. Eye-catching, large brass tanks hanging above the rooftop bar also hold brewery-fresh Carlton Draught unpasteurised beer.

The Albion’s unique design and capabilities, including a dedicated function level, can host all styles of standing and sit-down events from groups of 10 up to 350 guests. Please contact info@thealbion.bar  for further information or to make a booking.

The Albion is open Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 12pm until 3am, and Friday and Saturday until 5am. It is closed Monday and Tuesday except for private functions.

Find The Albion at 172 York Street, South Melbourne.

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