In a bold blend of history and modernity, the Godby Hotel has opened its doors in the historic South Yarra train station, transforming the heritage-listed site into a vibrant new pub and Japanese-inspired listening bar. Spearheaded by Julien Moussi and the Only Hospitality group, known for popular venues like The Beehive Hotel and Hotel Collingwood, this latest venture aims to celebrate the building’s storied past while offering a fresh, contemporary experience.
The task of working with heritage-listed buildings is notoriously complex, requiring a delicate balance between preserving historical elements and introducing modern features. Moussi and his team dedicated hundreds of hours to researching old photographs from the State Library and collaborated closely with architects to ensure that every design decision highlighted the building’s original features. “We wanted to make it feel like you’d stepped back in time when you walk down the entrance stairs,” Moussi explains.
Design and Atmosphere: A Step Back in Time
The design, crafted by Underwood, embraces the building’s old-world charm. Visitors are greeted by grand ballroom stairs that lead into a main dining area adorned with velvet booths and wood panels. The main bar, surrounded by Victorian-style mosaic tiles, is complemented by modern lighting that accentuates art-deco ceiling alcoves. This careful blend of old and new creates an inviting atmosphere that pays homage to the past while catering to contemporary tastes.
Godby Hotel’s menu is as diverse as its decor, featuring a cold bar with sashimi, ceviche, and oysters, alongside a grill offering three steak options. Traditional pub classics like chicken parmigiana and a double-patty smash burger are also available. The drinks menu is extensive, featuring a wide selection of local and international beers, wines, and spirits, as well as signature cocktails such as the standout Madame Lin, crafted with lychee soju, jasmine, saké, and soda water.
Nightbird: A Hidden Gem
Adding an element of intrigue, Nightbird, the Japanese-inspired listening bar, is tucked away behind secret pivoting doors that appear as mirrors from the outside. Inspired by New York’s 1920s speakeasy-style bars, particularly Bathtub Gin, Nightbird offers a contrasting experience to the rest of the venue. “We borrowed some concepts from Bathtub Gin for Nightbird with the lowered ceiling and indirect lighting,” Moussi notes. The bar’s dark walls and low, rounded ceiling, enhanced by acoustic treatment, create an intimate, almost surreal ambiance reminiscent of a bygone era.
Nightbird is equipped with a DJ booth designed to minimize low-frequency interference with the turntables, featuring an Allen & Heath Xone:96 mixer, Martin Audio CDD15 loudspeakers, and dual SX215 subwoofers. This setup ensures an exceptional audio experience, allowing patrons to enjoy both vinyl and modern music in a space that Moussi describes as a must-experience venue.
Future Plans and Community Impact
Since its opening at the end of December, Godby Hotel and Nightbird have quickly become popular destinations. However, Moussi’s vision for the site extends beyond its current offerings. “It’s such an iconic part of South Yarra – all the locals know it,” he says. Moussi is exploring the possibility of opening a turnstile directly to the new station platform, allowing patrons to seamlessly transition from the bar to the train. “I’ve got a couple of parking spots I might be able to trade with Metro Trains to help make it happen,” he adds.
The transformation of South Yarra’s old train station into the Godby Hotel and Nightbird represents a significant cultural addition to the area. By preserving the building’s historical essence while introducing modern elements, Moussi and his team have created a unique venue that honors the past while embracing the future.
Godby Hotel and Nightbird are located at 163 Toorak Road, South Yarra, and are open daily from midday to 1 am. For reservations, call (03) 9967 1192.
