The Palace Hotel Camberwell returns with a fresh menu, modern spaces and a $7.5 million transformation.

The Palace Hotel, a beloved landmark in inner Melbourne’s Camberwell, has officially reopened its doors with an all new offering, following an extensive $7.5 million renovation.

Retaining its classic pub atmosphere that locals know and love, the ground floor has been enhanced with a sharper, warmer, and more comfortable feel, designed for approachable, relaxed gatherings, perfect for post-work drinks, catching the footy on big screens, or enjoying live music.

The Palace Hotel transforms upstairs, where guests can linger over share-plates and expertly crafted cocktails, with the restoration of the building offering a charming new space.

The new menu, crafted by Executive Chef in Victoria, Tony Moss, features top-quality produce with a focus on sharing and snack-led social food for upstairs, including hand-stretched Roman-style pizza, with downstairs offering classic modern counter meals.

Speaking about the new menu, Moss suggests: “Upstairs, at Josephine’s Lounge, you can’t go past the smoked barramundi brioche. It’s a playful snack which showcases iconic Australian barramundi with a touch of Yarra Valley caviar.”

“And if you’re dining downstairs, the pork cutlet is a true classic, elevated by a mustard cream sauce that’s rich and delicately spiced with a beautiful veal stock base. To finish, the lemon myrtle curd donut is an absolute winner – it’s dusted in vanilla lime sugar and filled with a zesty curd that keeps you coming back for more.”

The beverage program highlights Australian wines, particularly from SA and VIC, alongside a modernised cocktail list featuring popular spritzes, margaritas, and espresso martinis. The beer selection will cater to all tastes, including approachable lagers, ales, and the increasingly sought-after Guinness.

Venue Manager, Neil O’Connor, said, “The Palace Hotel has always held a special place in Camberwell, and this renovation ensures it will continue to be a cherished gathering spot for generations to come. We’ve created a unique offering that caters to every mood and occasion, from a casual weeknight to a sophisticated evening out, all built around a serious dedication to quality F&B.”

“Downstairs, it’s your classic local, but elevated,” adds O’Connor. “You can count on a frosty beer, a great pub meal, and that familiar hum of community. It’s the perfect spot for walk-ins looking for that classic Melbourne pub experience, delivered with the quality you expect from a venue that truly values its food and beverage offering.”

“Upstairs at Josephine’s Lounge is where the night feels like it could go anywhere,” he explains. “Whether it’s a spontaneous date night, a pre-planned celebration, or that quick catch-up that turns into a long lunch.”

This significant investment by ALH Hotels, part of the wider Endeavour Group, breathes new life into the historic venue, originally built in 1888. It creates a dynamic two-level destination that seamlessly blends its rich heritage with contemporary hospitality, underscoring a serious commitment to redefining the pub experience through exceptional food and beverage offerings.

Renowned for its grand residences and leafy streets, The Palace Hotel has been a cornerstone of the community for over 130 years. The meticulous renewal project, led by Cayas + Ward and built by Five One Group, celebrates the building’s authentic character while introducing modern amenities and distinct experiences across its two levels. This project highlights Endeavour Group and ALH’s dedication to preserving and enhancing Australia’s cherished pub culture, ensuring each venue, like The Palace Hotel, sets a new standard for quality F&B and customer satisfaction.

“This significant investment in The Palace Hotel is a tangible representation of Endeavour Group and ALH’s deep commitment to revitalising and celebrating the heart of Australian communities – our pubs,” says ALH Managing Director, Paul Carew. “We’re taking our redevelopments seriously to ensure every ALH venue, like The Palace Hotel, sets a new standard for customer satisfaction. We believe in honouring the rich history of these iconic venues while innovating, to deliver truly outstanding food and beverage experiences.”

The project scope includes a new kitchen, a new look and feel for both ground floor and level one food and beverage areas, a dedicated sports vision nook, and an external upgrade encompassing paint, lighting, and signage.

The design process evolved throughout the build, allowing for the homage to the building’s history, including the discovery and restoration of an original wooden staircase on Level 1 for a historic installation in the function space. The original heritage tiles, uncovered and retained during the renovation, add to the authentic charm, and a striking architectural feature is the dramatic exposure of the internal spiral corner, revealing the boldness and elegance of the original design and activating the line of sight from the level one bar up to the building’s spire.

The Palace Hotel operates daily from 10am until late. The first floor also boasts a private function room capable of hosting up to 60 guests. The external renovation was undertaken in conjunction with Heritage Listing Victoria.

For more information on The Palace Hotel, visit www.palacecamberwell.com.au.