May 2025 – An esteemed piece of Hawthorn’s heritage, The Beehive Hotel has been revitalised by leading design and construction practice Underwood for Only Hospitality Group. Their thoughtful restoration has reinstated the venue’s original name and many of its historic interiors, integrating its rich history and character with a modern hospitality experience.
Originally built in 1855 under the vision of Irish publican James Colvin, the iconic Beehive Hotel has stood as a cornerstone of the local community for over a century. While the venue has undergone many changes through generations, the establishment has a long-standing tradition of being a much loved local meeting place.
Extensive research into The Beehive’s heritage informed the design and restoration process, which was undertaken within a challenging four-week design timeline and seven-week construction schedule.
Highlighting the advantages of combining design and construction capabilities in-house, Underwood Director, Ryan Underwood commented “The Beehive exemplifies the benefits of our integrated model. With architectural and construction expertise unified under one roof, our shared vision and streamlined processes enabled us to deliver this complex restoration to the highest quality standards, despite a tight timeframe.”
Archival photos and postcards inspired many aspects of the hotel’s revival, including the external cream colour and the signage font. Inspired by the pub’s revived namesake and heritage sculpture in the building parapet, Underwood sought to tastefully reference the beehive with yellows and browns internally. Architectural elements like the arched brick wall behind the bar were uncovered during demolition and incorporated into the final design.
The original patterned concrete floor was preserved, while other spaces, like the dining room, were enhanced with a distinct charm through striped carpeting loosely inspired by Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel.
The hospitality partners behind the venue, Julien Moussi and Tony Pantano of Only Hospitality Group, worked closely with Underwood to reimagine The Beehive as a welcoming ‘local’ pub.
Director at Only Hospitality Group, Julien Moussi shared, “Our vision for The Beehive has been to create a pub for the people and reignite that sense of community. This transformation invites a new wave of Melburnians to rediscover the iconic venue, and that’s something we’re really excited about.”
Reopening last year, The Beehive Hotel offers a public bar, bistro, courtyard and private dining space, with a capacity of 300 patrons. The menu features modern takes on pub classics and a curated selection of wines, beers, and cocktails.
Underwood’s restoration ensures that The Beehive Hotel remains a tribute to its past, while offering a fresh, inviting experience for today’s patrons.
