George Calombaris and Hellenic Republic co-owner Travis McAuley are taking the Greek tavern concept out west to Williamstown, where they'll open Hellenic Hotel in June 2016. Bringing on board head chef Josh Pelham (formerly of Estelle Bistro and Enquire Within), Hellenic Hotel takes over the former Hobsons Bay Hotel to turn it into a Greek-centric pub. Two years overdue, the pub promises to deliver affordable, family-friendly fare and fans of Hellenic Republic's Cypriot grain salad and saganaki with peppered figs are likely to see them on the new menu.
March Studio is transforming the iconic pub building (which has seen Rosa Mitchell of Rosa's Kitchen take the helm in the kitchen) to reflect the new venue's Greek leanings and seaside location. Calombaris announced that the ground level will house a tavern serving 'Gastro Greek' food, with the public bar area upstairs to offer daily pub specials and screens to watch the footy. Hellenic Hotel will also offer a takeaway service for their food and beverages, so if you'd rather eat your Cypriot grain salad and moussaka at Williamstown Beach, you can take your order to go.
UPDATE: Made Establishment has confirmed that Hellenic Hotel will be open on June 17 from 5.30pm. The phone lines are open now for reservations, although tables for the tavern are all booked out for the opening day. Call (03) 9393 1000 for bookings.
Hellenic Hotel 28 Ferguson St, Williamstown 3016.