Mentone Edgy Hotel set to reopen, host high-end New York inspired terrace bar by 2021

Bayside and Kingston residents, rejoice — after six years of closed doors the Mentone “Edgy” Hotel is set to reopen, with its excited developer revealing when it is on track to happen. And they plan to “blow away” its guests.

An artist impression of the renovated Mentone Hotel, set to reopen mid next year.

The Mentone “Edgy” Hotel is on track to reopen next year, it has been revealed.

Drinks at the coastal landmark are set to flow by mid next year, with owner and developer Paul Huggins believed to be planning a high-end New York-inspired bar with a terrace overlooking Mentone Parade.

It’s believed the bar will be licensed to operate between 7am and 1am with space for about 400 people.

The exciting development follows close to a six-year closure and three-and-a-half-year stalemate which saw a strong campaign from the Save The Edgy group and a marathon sitting at VCAT in April 2018.

The committee negotiated 400sq m plus hospitality space which was about double the size of the area that was previously discussed.

Detailed drawings of the cutting edge internal fit out were yet to be finalised but Momentum Global Development and Construction developer Mr Huggins said guests would be “blown away” by the hotel’s transformation.

“People will be blown away by the hospitality space, but we are not at that point yet,” he said.

“It’s important we get every detail right and that is not just limited to the commercial business, because there will also be 10 apartments within the heritage building.

“We have instructed the leading acoustic engineers who will be using the best acoustic insulation available.”

Locals were devastated when it was announced the Mentone Hotel would close to make way for apartments in 2014. Picture: Jason Sammon

Hundreds quickly gathered outside in a rally to save the venue. Picture: Sharon Green

Save The Edgy spokesman and Kingston Como Ward candidate Chris Hill said the group helped save the building and ensured a licensed venue would operate within the refurbished hotel.

“I know a lot of people have always been really concerned about whether another beer would be served in the hotel again. There were also concerns on what would happen to the hotel building itself,” he said.

“At the beginning of our campaign, getting the Mentone Hotel added to the Victorian Heritage Register was a huge win, as it now has the highest level of heritage protection.

“While it’s fair to say that the owner and I didn’t always see eye-to-eye on certain issues, there has always been a commitment regarding the heritage and the agreement to establish a vibrant licensed venue is a credit to all involved.”

Mr Huggins said he hoped the 130-year-old building would be “even more” impressive compared to the day it first opened.

“The restoration of the hotel is well underway, and the heritage listed building will be stunning when it’s completed,” he said.

“Working through the intrinsic design of the heritage building has posed a few challenges, however I’ve never shied away from the responsibility of returning the old girl to her former glory.”