The reinstatement of the historic Metropolitan Hotel preserves the cherished Melbourne pub’s vintage aesthetic, while adding a contemporary touch to the heritage-listed building.

 

The multi-level hospitality design for DeGroup redeveloped the two-storey hotel building and restored its exposed red brickwork and original façade, while a separate boutique office tower was constructed above it.

The interior has been divided into a wine bar on the ground level, a cocktail lounge on the first floor, and a rooftop bar on top of what was once the pub. These interconnected social spaces encourage movement between them, with the wine bar and rooftop bar as places city workers can go for lunch or have afterwork drinks, with the option of going to the cocktail lounge later on.

The ground level wine bar preserves a vintage pub aesthetic, while adding a contemporary touch with the overhead shelving, which incorporates metal mesh and coloured glass, reminiscent of vintage glass bottles.

The bar incorporates local artists like renowned Melbourne street artist, RONE, whose mural at the ground floor seating area is strategically placed to capture the attention of passersby and greet guests. The mural contributes to the bar’s ability to evoke a sense of history while perfectly complementing the contemporary setting.