Business Details
Your Heritage-Listed Gastro-Pub in Melbourne's CBD
At Hotel Spencer, we have remained steadfast in preserving our 100-year legacy as one of Melbourne's most iconic pubs. Our establishment embodies the authentic atmosphere of a 1920s working-class watering hole, delivering genuine hospitality that welcomes all patrons. As a relaxed bar and bistro, we pride ourselves on serving homestyle meals crafted from scratch using locally sourced ingredients. Our commitment to inclusivity ensures that international visitors, local workers, and residents alike feel at home, whether they arrive in formal attire or tradie gear. Strategically located near Marvel Stadium and Festival Hall, we cater to event-goers with extended trading hours until 1am. Our beverage selection features 13 rotating tap beers, boutique spirits, and fine wines, reflecting Melbourne's diverse tastes.With a heritage-listed interior featuring original woodwork and a roaring fireplace, we combine historical charm with modern service standards. Our team's expertise in managing dietary requirements, including dedicated gluten-free protocols, ensures every guest enjoys a safe and memorable dining experience. The venue's versatile layout accommodates both intimate dinners and large celebrations, with a private dining room seating up to 35 guests. As Melbourne's premier heritage pub, we continue to evolve while maintaining the warm, unpretentious character that has made us a local favourite since 1913.
Services
Gastro-pub dining
Craft beer selection
Event hosting
Gluten-free options
Private dining room
Highlights and features
- We offer a 100-year legacy of hospitality in Melbourne's CBD
- Our dedicated gluten-free kitchen ensures safe dining for Coeliacs
- We provide 13 rotating local craft beer options weekly
- Our venue hosts events from 20 to 150 guests with free parking
- We serve made-from-scratch meals daily with dietary adaptations
What people say
Awesome range of rotating craft beer
Best pub in North/West Melbourne
Entirely gluten free menu available
Amazing customer service
Cosy atmosphere with great service
Services
Gastro-pub dining
Our daily changing menu features modern Australian pub classics made from scratch. We offer gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options with strict cross-contamination controls. The kitchen serves continuously from midday until evening, Wednesday through Saturday, accommodating both quick meals and leisurely dining experiences.
Craft beer selection
We maintain 13 rotating tap lines featuring local independent breweries alongside international favourites. Our selection changes weekly to showcase seasonal releases and limited editions. Knowledgeable staff provide tasting notes and pairing suggestions for both connoisseurs and casual drinkers seeking new experiences.
Event hosting
Our heritage venue accommodates events from 20 to 150 guests with flexible seating arrangements. We offer tailored packages including pre-ordered menus, extended trading hours until 1am, and free evening/weekend parking. The space works equally well for corporate functions, family celebrations, and pre/post-event gatherings.
Gluten-free options
We maintain a dedicated gluten-free kitchen area with separate preparation spaces and fryers. Our menu includes certified gluten-free beer options and clearly marked dishes. Staff receive regular training on cross-contamination risks to ensure safe dining experiences for customers with dietary restrictions.
Private dining room
The original 1920s dining room features burnished wood panelling and a working fireplace. It seats up to 35 guests for private events with exclusive hire. We offer pre-ordering options for large groups and can accommodate special requests for menu adaptations while maintaining the historic character of this heritage space.
Questions
What are Hotel Spencer's trading hours?
We operate Wednesday to Saturday from 12:00pm to 11:00pm. The venue is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Extended hours apply for major events at nearby venues.
Do you offer gluten-free dining options?
Yes, we have a dedicated gluten-free kitchen with separate preparation areas and fryers. Our menu clearly marks gluten-free dishes and we offer certified gluten-free beer options.
Can I book a private event at Hotel Spencer?
We host events for 20-150 guests with tailored packages. The venue offers exclusive private dining room hire and can accommodate special dietary requirements and budget considerations.
What makes Hotel Spencer unique?
As Melbourne's oldest continuously operating pub, we combine 100 years of history with modern hospitality. Our heritage-listed interior features original woodwork and a working fireplace, complemented by rotating local craft beers and made-from-scratch meals.
Is Hotel Spencer near public transport?
We're located a 10-minute walk from Southern Cross Station with easy access to city trams. Ample street parking is available on Rosslyn Street during evenings and weekends.
Do you serve food all day?
Our kitchen operates continuously from midday through dinner service Wednesday to Saturday, offering both quick meals and full dining experiences without fixed lunch/dinner session times.
Reviews (7)
Anthony Langran
Nov 27, 2021
Report
One word!! Awful. We were in room 1 and it wasn't nice at all, especially for 75.00 which didn't include breakfast. I will never go back
Peter Herridge
Sep 09, 2021
Report
Room basic but adequate, the towels and bedding smelt fresh and clean. Breakfast was lovely and set us up for the day. The staff there are very friendly and personable. Would stay again.. Peter & Nicki
Roy C.
Oct 25, 2020
Report
Very welcoming and friendly place
Nicely cooked breakfast. only complaints were that the tv did not always work and that there is no working light switch near the room door
But good value for money and would definitely come again
Nicely cooked breakfast. only complaints were that the tv did not always work and that there is no working light switch near the room door
But good value for money and would definitely come again
Tommy T.
May 24, 2020
Report
Great fry up n breakfast. Clean nice en suite room. Nice front room with chess board. Clean establishment. Good service and excellent bed. Good price at 25 pp
Paula Cornwell
Nov 22, 2019
Report
Could do with some updating but for the price you can't go wrong. They was going to put us upstairs bit as soon as he was my stick he moved us to the ground floor. The breakfast was good and the young man did my eggs just the way I like. We will be going back.
Keith Wigmore
Nov 17, 2019
Report
They say never judge a book by its cover, this bed & breakfast is a classic example. The outside looks pleasant and quaint however the interior is dark and dated. Some major renovations are needed. I can only comment on the room used, the room layout was ok but didn't make sense to us, sockets around the room but none near the tea and coffee making facilities. We had to place a towel behind the bed to stop it squeaking and running against the wall as we sat on it. The breakfast room in the basement was in need of a good clean also, small bits of paper and cereal littered the floor around the
Dee Eden
Jun 16, 2018
Report
Sorry to say not a great place. Stated on_suite but not the case. Shared shower that is in the attic and almost impossible to have a decent shower. The room has secondary glazing....Good job as there is no actual pane of glass in the window. Wardrobe unsafe and brown stain on shelf. Drawer bottom falling out. Boil kettle on floor. Crack from ceiling to door and grease stains by the bed. Really needs a deep clean and decorating.
