A Malvern Landmark Reopens, Introducing A New Era of Multi-Level Hospitality
On Friday, 24th April 2026, Public Bar opened at The Angel of Malvern, marking the first stage in a multi-level hospitality venue. The site sits on the corner of Glenferrie and Dandenong Roads. The launch introduces a ground-floor venue designed to operate as a neighbourhood-driven public house.
The opening forms part of a broader redevelopment led by Refinery Group, powered by Kokoda Property. As a result, the venue has been positioned as a layered destination with multiple offerings. Public Bar operates as the entry point, with additional venues scheduled to open above in June 2026.
Founder and Managing Director of Refinery Group, Mark Stevens, said, “The Angel has always been part of the fabric of Malvern. This next chapter is about restoring that role, creating a place people return to regularly, not just for occasions, but as part of everyday life, bringing a fresh take and new life to neighbourhood hospitality.”
Level one will introduce Flores and Bar Flores, while level two will house Lately, an audio-focused cocktail bar. These additions will complete an all-day to late-night structure within the building.
Drinks and food program details at Public Bar
The drinks program is led by Group Operations Manager Liam Burns, with a focus on accessible and structured offerings. Beer features across taps, tins and bottles, including Carlton Draught, Stone & Wood and Angel Lager. The house beer has been developed in collaboration with Hawkers Brewery.
Cocktails include a mix of classics and signatures such as Angel Negroni, Sweet Talk and Seraphim. In addition, the wine list covers local producers and European regions. The offering includes by-the-glass options and an extended bottle selection.
Burns said, “We wanted the drinks at the Public Bar to reflect the personality of the space, approachable, lively, and full of character. Collaborating with Hawkers to create the Angel Lager was a chance to craft something unique for the venue, a beer that locals and visitors can come back to time and time again.”
The food menu has been developed by Executive Chef Justin North and Head Chef Josh Rudd. It centres on produce-led versions of pub classics. Menu items include fried buttermilk chicken, chicken parma and fish and chips.
A grill section anchors the offering, with dishes such as a 250g O’Connor grain-fed rump cap and a 300g Southern Rangers MB4 Scotch fillet. Additional options include Bannockburn half chicken and grilled market fish. Desserts include ginger sticky date pudding with whiskey caramel sauce.
The interior design has been delivered by Studio McCue. The space combines original building elements with contemporary materials. Features include exposed brickwork, glazed tiles, steel-framed glazing and terrazzo finishes.
A double-height atrium connects the ground floor visually to the upper levels. Recycled timber flooring and restored windows reference earlier design periods. Meanwhile, a 165-inch screen in the beer garden supports live sports viewing.
Chris McCue of Studio McCue said, “Our intent was to create something that feels familiar, a place locals return to. The core idea was to introduce a series of insertions that link the design across all three levels, while allowing each space to have its own character. There’s a sense of nostalgia when you step into the public bar, but it’s modernised with a respect for the building’s history. We wanted Malvern locals to feel that this is a space for them, whether it’s for an everyday drink, a meal or a celebration.”
The Angel of Malvern forms part of a broader pipeline from Refinery Group. The group has outlined plans for more than 10 hospitality venues across Melbourne and Brisbane. Future openings include The Saint in St Kilda, scheduled for later in 2026.
Location: 641 Dandenong Rd, Malvern VIC 3144
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 10 AM to 1 AM, Friday and Saturday 10 AM to 3 AM
