Historic Port Melbourne pub gets a cool makeover as The Hack
One of Port Melbourne’s oldest and most colourful pubs has been turned into one of its most hip.
Built in about 1860 as The Fountain Inn – one of many hotels built in the Port area to service the shipping trade – the now-heritage pub on the intersection of Crockford and Raglan streets had a stormy start to life. A few years after it opened it sheltered more than 50 people for days during the great floods of December 1863.
Since the 1970s it was operated by colourful characters, from AFL football players to underworld figures. Over time, it’s been known as the Sloaney Pony, Drifters Alibi and Mardo’s.
But after hitting the market in early 2017, the building finally found a new owner in Chris Nicholls and partners of Hack Brewing, who had been on the lookout for a warehouse-type venue of their own.
“We chose Port Melbourne because of its history,” said Nicholls. “We literally fell in love with the building, as the facade really felt like a visual tribute to local area.”
The interiors have been done by Collingwood-based Pocketbeagles. Photo: Supplied
Now sporting a new name, The Hack, the corner building has been transformed into a craft beer pub, with modern features such as a bright, spacious bar, with light-wood tables, leather couches and polished timber floors. Original details of the heritage building have also been enhanced, such as the large arch-headed bar windows.
“The building has huge, open and well lit spaces. No other pub has three open sides for light to come through,” Nicholls said.
Inside, the apricot-coloured walls, colourful artwork (hand painted by head “Beagle” Clint Weaver), a neon sign, and an installation of Edison bulbs on the ceiling, were all designed by Collingwood-based Pocketbeagles.
“They were quite bold in some of the colour schemes – the ‘Mexican Standoff’ (apricot) walls weren’t in the brief, but we love them – while still remaining respectful to the heritage of the building itself.”
The pub in its original incarnation as the Fountain Inn. Photo: Supplied
It was during the renovations that Nicholls realised how important the pub was to the local community. “Nearby residents had been poking their heads in [during renovations], worried that the old building was being converted into apartments,” he said. “They were stoked to find that the historic building was going to be turned into a pub again.”
After opening its doors in December 2017, the business now has plans for a rooftop bar, workshops and an expanded dining menu.
