In a bold move that marries history with modern hospitality, the Godby Hotel has opened its doors in the heritage-listed South Yarra train station. The ambitious project is the latest venture by Julien Moussi and the Only Hospitality team, known for their successful venues such as The Beehive Hotel and Hotel Collingwood. The opening of Godby Hotel, alongside the Japanese-inspired listening bar Nightbird, marks a significant addition to Melbourne’s vibrant dining and nightlife scene.
Working with heritage-listed buildings presents unique challenges, from navigating bureaucratic red tape to balancing the preservation of historical features with contemporary updates. Moussi’s team spent countless hours researching the building’s past, ensuring that the renovation accentuated its historical charm. “We wanted to make it feel like you’d stepped back in time when you walk down the entrance stairs,” Moussi explained.
Preserving History with a Modern Twist
The interior design, crafted by Underwood, embraces the building’s old-world allure. Visitors are greeted by grand ballroom stairs that lead into a main dining area adorned with velvet booths and wood paneling. Victorian-style mosaic tiles surround the main bar, while modern lighting highlights the ceiling’s art-deco alcoves, creating a seamless blend of past and present.
The culinary offerings at Godby Hotel are as diverse as they are enticing. The cold bar features sashimi, ceviche, and oysters, while the grill offers a selection of steaks. Traditional pub fare, such as chicken parmigiana and a double-patty smash burger, complements an extensive drinks menu that includes local and international beers, wines, and spirits. Signature cocktails, like the Madame Lin with lychee soju and jasmine, add a unique flair to the beverage selection.
Nightbird: A Hidden Gem
Behind secret pivoting doors lies Nightbird, a cocktail den inspired by New York’s 1920s speakeasies. Moussi drew inspiration from one of his favorite bars, Bathtub Gin, incorporating features like a lowered ceiling and indirect lighting. “It’s a deliberate contrast to the rest of the venue,” Moussi noted, describing the intimate space with its dark walls and acoustic treatment that evokes the feel of a vintage train carriage.
Nightbird’s 60-person capacity includes a DJ booth designed to prevent low-frequency transfer into the turntables, featuring an Allen & Heath Xone:96 mixer and Martin Audio CDD15 loudspeakers. “We wanted to create a space where you can kick on and hear some great local DJs in a room that sounds incredible,” Moussi said. The venue promises an unparalleled auditory experience, blending vinyl and modern music in a setting that must be experienced to be fully appreciated.
Future Ambitions and Community Impact
Although both venues opened at the end of December, Moussi’s vision for the site extends beyond its current incarnation. He envisions a direct connection to the new train station platform, allowing patrons to seamlessly transition from the bar to their train. “It’s such an iconic part of South Yarra – all the locals know it,” Moussi stated, hinting at potential negotiations with Metro Trains to make this dream a reality.
The Godby Hotel and Nightbird not only breathe new life into a historic building but also contribute to the cultural tapestry of South Yarra. By preserving the station’s heritage while introducing innovative hospitality concepts, Moussi and his team have created a unique destination that honors the past while embracing the future.
For those eager to experience this fusion of history and modernity, Godby Hotel and Nightbird are located at 163 Toorak Road, South Yarra, and are open daily from midday to 1 am. Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely lunch, an evening of cocktails, or a night of dancing, these venues offer something for everyone in a setting that celebrates Melbourne’s rich history.
