This autumn, St Kilda welcomes a new iteration of the much-loved Saint building at 54 Fitzroy Street.

Introducing Saint Hotel; a multi-layered mecca of five drinking and dining concepts all under one roof. 

A historic building that has seen many adaptations over the years as a bank, pub and more recently a nightclub, Saint Hotel opens as a labour of love, delivered by a team of hospitality professionals passionate about quality experiences.

Leading the team is General Manager Mrinal Beekarry who has overseen every detail in the project. “It was a beautiful building and we saw so much potential. I’ve been fortunate to find people along the way who share the same enthusiasm and passion for the project,” says Beekarry.

Key partners James D Field and his father James M Field of family construction business Field Group led a full interior renovation of the building with the help of Melbourne architects Telha Clarke to create five distinct venues: Saint Dining, Saint Bar, The Vault, Bar 54 and Stellas, as well as private and semi-private dining rooms.

“After taking over the site, we first thought it would just need a lick of paint,” says Field. “It became something much bigger in a complete interior transformation.” Every detail has been painstakingly considered, from custom pendants by Giffin Design to signature scents on each floor and water jugs by Dinosaur Designs.

On the ground floor is Saint Dining, the centrepiece of dining experiences at Saint Hotel headed by Executive Chef Gary Lai (Amber Hong Kong, InterContinental Osaka, The Atlantic). Bringing a unique fine-dining experience to the area, a protein-focused, produce-driven menu celebrating modern Australian cuisine is built around a Josper charcoal grill. With every element touched by the Josper - desserts included, guests can choose from a selection of premium cuts of beef or seafood with sauces and sides to pair. A moody materials palette of scorched timber, Nero Portoro marble and bronze pair with buttery leather banquette seats bathed in light under the iconic Saint Hotel atrium.

At the corner of Fitzroy Street and Canterbury Road enter Saint Bar, a smart-casual bar and dining room and the first touchpoint of Saint Hotel. Also adjacent to Saint Dining, a spectacular high ceiling champions the existing heritage bones of the building, whilst French windows sweep the perimeter and flood the space with light. From high banquette seating guests enjoy a drink and snack or settle-in for something more substantial such as a namesake ‘Saint Burger’ or prawn katsu sando. An extensive drinks selection features a range of signature cocktails, beers and non-alcoholic options beside a strong 200+ wine list.

Also on the ground floor is The Vault. Opening later this year, The Vault wine cellar will be a street-facing bottle shop and intimate tasting venue delivering sophistication in spades. Featuring a dramatic stone tasting table, patrons can choose from an extensive selection of wines to take home or can sit, stay awhile and order snacks from Saint Bar.

Moving upstairs is Bar 54, a homage to Saint Hotel’s address at 54 Fitzroy Street and the sophistication of New York’s infamous Studio 54. A sumptuous spot to enjoy a drink and snack, guests will find a breath-taking, light-filled atrium around which wraps a mixture of booth and table seating. A sun-filled terrace looks outwards to a glamorous vector of palm trees, while the interior features warm veneer timber, mustard velvets, leather booth seating and Red Onyx marble tables. A generous selection of produce-driven bar snacks complements a curated drinks and cocktail list.

Adjacent on the first floor is Stellas, a cocktail bar and listening lounge set to open mid-April. Roy Das Neves (Bouvardia) will be bringing his unique vision to a specialty cocktail menu, with a seasonal focus and an inventive spin on ingredients. A custom-designed sound system by Pitt & Giblin will be another drawcard, supporting a line-up of DJs on Thursday and Friday evenings.

Saint Hotel will welcome guests to enjoy highly curated spaces designed with the intent to hold a firm place in the heart of St Kilda, and Melbourne, for many years to come.

“We’re striving to create quality hospitality experiences for every one of our guests, however they choose to join us. We’re excited to open Saint Hotel to the community,” says Beekarry.

54 Fitzroy Street St Kilda 3182 | www.sainthotel.com.au 

Saint Bar Opening Hours: Open 7 days, 12 pm - late

Saint Dining Opening Hours: Open 7 days, 12 pm - 3 pm, 6 pm - 11 pm

Images by Sharyn Cairns and Griffin Simm.