Captain Melville 1.39

Welcome to Captain Melville

“Live for the day, and let tomorrow take care of itself,” so said legendary bushranger, Captain Melville. The new venue at 34 Franklin Street named in the Captain’s honour, captures the spirit of a country where like-minded souls can come together to satisfy their need for relaxation after a hard day’s work.

From the same team that brought Melbourne the music venue Miss Libertine, comes a more grown-up offering, while retaining the larrikin spirit and sense of adventure. For over 150 years, the bluestone walls at 34 Franklin Street have provided solace and sustenance to
Melburnians and visitors, and in November 2012, the venue will be relaunched as Captain Melville, the destination for accessible dining, imbibing and revelry at Melbourne’s oldest public house.

Just as the men and women of the Gold Rush era often remarked, “I’m in need of a little relaxation after my exertions”, the saying rings true for individuals in today’s fast paced society. Fittingly, the food ethos is pub food, done well, sourced from ethical and sustainable Victorian farms and producers in the regions traversed by the rebel bushranger himself. The menu focuses on communal, casual eating, with shared dishes, steaks, snacks, and of course, the pub classics, using house-made comestibles where possible.

Head chef, Shayne McCallum, who has earned his stripes at iconic Melbourne establishments such as Blake’s, The Botanical, The Kingston Hotel, and The Graham, is on a mission to create high quality pub food. “There are only a handful of places in Melbourne that do good pub food. You have great pubs doing great restaurant food. But not many places that do pub classics at restaurant level,” says Shayne.

Victorian wines and beers will be showcased, while not forgetting the iconic Australian and international varieties. The cocktails will be old-fashioned and the names will pay playful reference to Captain Melville’s era. Housed within Melbourne’s oldest pub and National Trust building, among high-rise apartments and office buildings, Captain Melville is a window into the unique history of Melbourne. The major refit by Breathe Architecture reveals a casual front bar area with banquette style seating beyond the Victorian façade. A large communal dining hall is revealed behind the front bar, where diners can sit under steel tent structures, a modern homage to the Gold Rush era.

“I’m In Need of a Little Relaxation After My Exertions”