Village Belle Hotel

Village Belle Hotel is a long-standing St Kilda pub with a history stretching back to the nineteenth century. A hotel has traded on the site since the 1850s, while the current imposing building dates from the 1891 expansion designed by architect William Pitt. Heritage-listed and extensively restored, it now combines historic character with a contemporary, double-storey layout. The venue’s story is closely tied to St Kilda’s development, from its early days as a meeting place and tramway terminus to the lively precinct that grew around Acland and Barkly Streets.

The offering is broad without moving too far from the pub format. The kitchen serves snacks, classic pub fare and modern Australian dishes, with an emphasis on local and sustainable Victorian produce. Lunch and dinner are available every day, and guests can eat in the Garden Bar or Public Bar, where walk-ins are welcomed alongside bookings. Drinks include beers on tap, a curated wine list and cocktails. The website also lists recurring specials and events such as Sunday roast, Steak Frites, Parma Night, Pub Classics, Wednesday Trivia, live music and a workers’ lunch, giving regulars plenty of reasons to return.

There are several distinct ways to spend time at the Village Belle. The all-year-round Garden Bar offers a relaxed setting with access to the bar, while the Public Bar is the place to watch local and international sport on screen, including AFL, NRL, NBL, rugby and UFC. Upstairs, the Doulton Lounge is a late-night cocktail space with a dedicated dance floor, and the Balcony Bar provides a private function setting. The venue’s four main areas, along with its restaurant and cocktail lounge, make it suitable for a casual meal, drinks after work or a livelier night out.

Groups are particularly well catered for, with function spaces ranging from semi-private sections for smaller gatherings to exclusive areas for larger celebrations. Options include the Garden Bar, Mezzanine, Balcony Bar and Doulton Lounge, with spaces available for seated or standing events, private dining, birthdays, corporate occasions, weddings and drinks. For everyday visits, it suits diners looking for familiar pub food, sports followers wanting a central St Kilda viewing spot, and groups gathering for a meal, drinks or a celebration. Bookings are recommended for dining, while the Garden Restaurant and Public Bar also accept walk-ins.