The Flagship Hospitality Venue From Newly Formed Refinery Group Will Offer A Multi-Level Drinking And Dining Experience To Form The New Heart Of The Neighbourhood
Renowned neighbourhood venue, The Angel Of Malvern, is set to reopen its doors, under the custodianship of Refinery Group, powered by award-winning luxury developer Kokoda Property. Opening in stages through April and June 2026, the venue will serve as the hospitality destination of its Malvern Collective precinct, bringing a fresh new dining and drinking experience to the area.
The redesigned multi-level precinct unfolds across three distinct levels, each with its own rhythm and character. A welcoming public bar will feature on the ground floor, a casual Mediterranean-inspired eatery and wine bar on level one, while the upper level will bring a more intimate late-night speakeasy energy, pairing cocktails with flexible event spaces.
First established in 1856 as The Gardiner Hotel, and later the Angel Tavern, The Angel Of Malvern will blend rich history with a contemporary, design-led vision. Located on the landmark corner of Glenferrie and Dandenong Roads, and only steps from Malvern Train Station, the venue will re-emerge with renewed energy and purpose. Designed to move seamlessly from casual pub catchups to milestone celebrations, the venue honours its longstanding legacy while redefining its role as the modern cornerstone of the neighbourhood.
The Angel of Malvern will be brought to life by an expert team of Melbourne hospitality leaders, supported by architecture firm Studio McCue, renowned chef and hospitality consultant Justin North of Concept Hospitality and global place consultancy Era-Co. Founder and Managing Director of Kokoda Property Group and Refinery Group, Mark Stevens shares,
“Refinery Group was created to extend the same design rigour and long-term thinking that define our residential developments into hospitality. The Angel of Malvern is the first expression of that – a concept-led, culturally grounded venue where architecture, food, service and atmosphere are considered as one.
We’re not interested in creating a one-dimensional pub. Each level has its own identity and energy, but together they form a cohesive experience grounded in quality and generosity.For us, great hospitality isn’t just about what’s served, it’s about how a place makes people feel.”
Chef and Australian hospitality veteran Justin North will lead the food direction across all three levels of The Angel of Malvern as Refinery Group’s executive chef. With more than 35 years of global hospitality experience, North brings a produce-led, technique-driven approach shaped by decades of working with leading hotels, restaurants and precincts to create dining icons. North shares,
“The Angel of Malvern has been designed as a layered hospitality experience, with each level offering its own character while remaining grounded in quality and consistency. Whether it’s a reimagined take on classic pub favourites on the ground floor, a Mediterranean-inspired experience on level one, or a late-night escape with a speakeasy vibe with unexpected bar snacks above, across the venue, the ambition is simple; to create food and drink that feels generous, confident and worth returning for.”
Studio McCue Founder and Director, Chris McCue shares,
“The design will bring together the building’s existing character and heritage with a mix of industrial elements and bespoke details. By carefully balancing original textures with modern materials, we’ve created a space that honours the venue’s history while offering a fresh, dynamic experience. The design ensures a seamless connection between the venue’s different levels, combining functionality with a visually rich atmosphere that feels both authentic and welcoming.”
The Angel of Malvern marks the beginning of Refinery Group, powered by Kokoda Property, extending its design-led philosophy beyond residential precinct development into a considered hospitality offering. This evolution is underpinned by a long-term vision grounded in connection, people and experience. The Angel of Malvern and its venues are the first to launch of a pipeline of 10+ hospitality brands across Melbourne and Brisbane, including the recently acquired The Saint in St Kilda, which will also open in 2026.
The Public Bar for The Angel Of Malvern will open in April 2026, with the full venue to open in June 2026.
The Angel Of Malvern
641 Dandenong Rd, Malvern VIC 3144
Website: https://theangelofmalvern.com.au/
Instagram: @theangelofmalvern
