The Return of O’Connell’s

After more than 150 years at the heart of local life, the iconic venue enters a refined new chapter, designed to continue bringing neighbours, families and visitors together through hospitality, dining and connection. 

Now under the direction of the team behind Prahran’s Flying Duck Hotel, the landmark Coventry Street destination has been reimagined as a warm and design-led gathering place that honours its longstanding connection to the local community while introducing a more contemporary dining experience. 

Led by Managing Director Brenton Lang and Head Chef Michael Conlon, the revitalised venue centres around a refined interpretation of Australian pub dining, anchored by produce-driven menus, open-fire cooking and a deeply considered hospitality experience. 

At the heart of the kitchen is a Josper wood-fired oven fuelled by red gum, imparting depth and richness across a menu inspired by native Australian ingredients and relaxed communal dining. Pepperberries, bush tomato and finger lime feature throughout dishes that elevate familiar favourites while remaining approachable and grounded in seasonality. 

Highlights include wood-fired prawns with smoked macadamia butter, slow-cooked saltbush lamb shoulder served with flatbread, and house-made doughnuts layered with Davidson plum jam and vanilla cream. Alongside these signature offerings, the menu retains a sense of comforting familiarity through classic pub staples including expertly prepared steaks, chicken parma and market fish. 

A curated weekly dining program further reinforces O’Connell’s position as a true neighbourhood institution, with steak nights, Sunday roasts and relaxed weekday gatherings designed to bring locals together in an effortlessly welcoming setting. 

The venue’s interiors, designed by acclaimed Melbourne designer Fiona Drago, introduce a rich and textural palette that respectfully references the building’s history while delivering a more contemporary sense of warmth and refinement. Tobacco-toned timbers, maroon detailing, mocha ceilings and softly layered finishes create an atmosphere that feels both intimate and enduring. 

From the lively front bar to the fireplace-framed dining room and the much-loved terrace overlooking Clarendon Street, each space has been thoughtfully designed to encourage connection across every occasion. 

Through Open Magazine, Marshall White was pleased to attend O’Connell’s official reopening event in May, celebrating the return of one of South Melbourne’s most enduring hospitality institutions and an exciting new chapter for the local community. 

As Melbourne continues to embrace venues that blend authenticity with elevated experience, O’Connell’s Hotel re-emerges as a timeless local destination, celebrating heritage, hospitality and community with quiet sophistication. 
 
LEARN MORE: https://www.oconnells.com.au/