Over its lifespan the Port Office Hotel has been everything from a classic pub to a happening nightlife destination and a high-end eatery. As a venue that means so much to so many, there has been a lot of pointed interest in the establishment’s latest incarnation, which has been underway for the past few months. Nick and Meagan Gregorski took over ownership of the storied venue earlier this year and immediately set to work overhauling both levels while ensuring the vibe stayed true to its roots. If the thought of the Port Office Hotel being tampered with makes you edgy, never fear. Nick and Meagan are responsible for The Alliance Hotel’s resurgence, earning kudos in spades for their top-notch resuscitation of the Spring Hill venue.
Nick and Meagan’s approach to reigniting the Port Office Hotel’s spark is divided into three stages, but revolves around the core idea of re-establishing the venue as the inner city’s go-to spot for sterling hospitality (and nosh, of course). The first stage of the refurbishment – the Port Office Dining Room – was unveiled on Valentine’s Day, transforming what was once Fix Restaurant & Wine Bar into a spacious and comfortable eatery that serves a spin on Modern Australian cuisine. Executive chef Graham Waddell (who also oversees The Alliance Hotel’s Kitchen) has curated a menu that keeps some classic options handy while also introducing some new must-try dishes. Long-time fans of the Port Office Hotel’s food offering will be stoked to see a new nose to tail section plating up the likes of pork scratchings, wood-roasted bone marrow and crispy duck with white truffle and pistachio sausage. The kitchen now boasts an imported rotisserie, which is currently cooking moist chicken and duck daily. Fans of the Alliance Hotel’s parmesan and herb-crusted veal cutlet (there are a lot of you) will be thrilled to know that it is also being served at the Port Office Dining Room. An attached bar is the perfect spot to drop in for a quick tipple before heading to your table, while a wine room will be open in the coming weeks for those that taste drop they’d like to take home.
Next Thursday March 2 will see the second stage of the revitalisation open to the public in the form of The Colonial Bar. Occupying the second floor, the bar is set to be the spot to go for thirst-quenching cocktails, tasty tapas and a relaxed atmosphere. Patrons are encouraged to take up position out on the veranda, while a specialty cocktail cart caters to your whims. The final stage of the Port Office Hotel’s evolution is a newly renovated front bar, which will offer a new take on bar food paired with an old school long bar aesthetic.
Keep your eyes on The Weekend Edition for more updates, or head to the Stumble Guide for opening hours and contact details.
