Following a lavish renovation by March Studio the Oxford Scholar Hotel has now reopened to the public, marking the beginning of a new chapter for one of the earliest public houses in Melbourne. Newly leased to the Mahony Group (TMG) the heritage listed venue dating back to 1857 is set to bustle again with Melbourne CBD workers, residents, visitors, and of
course RMIT students, staff and alumni with its convenient spot at the University’s city campus, standing at the intersection of A’Beckett and Swanston Streets.
With the creation of new bars, multiple dining and event spaces along with a plant filled courtyard, the Oxford Scholar offers a relaxed, comfortable and sophisticated experience for its patrons. “Diners can expect a wide selection of both local and international sourced craft beers, cider and wine, paired with a menu showcasing fresh locally sourced produce through innovative and seasonally appropriate dishes”, said Operations Manager Jimmy Ujgunovski.
Hungry guests will have a hard time choosing with delicious dishes, be it classic pub grub or flavoursome options such as spinach and goats cheese ravioli, Korean beef ribs or crispy tofu curry. March Studio Director, architect and RMIT alumnus Rodney Eggleston led the creative transformation, drawing on his memories of the Oxford Scholar as a student sanctuary.
“We drew inspiration from the old English colonial pub but represented and manipulated it to provide a democratic space for all, which is what RMIT stands for,” he said. To foster connectedness and collaboration, the top two floors serve as bookable function spaces exclusively for RMIT staff, student and alumni, and those lucky enough to be locals receive a neat 10% off food and beverages via the Oxford Scholar app.
“We’ve transformed a beloved student watering hole and ensured its future, not just for RMIT students, staff and alumni,
but also the wider community,” said Property Services Executive Director Chris Hewison. Opened as of April 29 and no longer a secret the Oxford Scholar is now raring to go and a must visit for those looking for a warm and engulfing dining experience with a touch of tweed!
The Oxford Scholar
427 Swanston St, Melbourne
9964 6976
www.theoxfordscholar.com.au
Images by Eugene Hyland
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