Following a $2 million makeover that introduces all-season weatherproofing, late-night music and capacity for 450
Melbourne destination pub and bar Trinity St Kilda will reopen just in time for summer on Friday 27 November, following a $2 million renovation.
The upgrade introduces outdoor music licensed until 1am, an expanded food offering and capacity for up to 450 people – positioning it as one of the area’s largest all-season venues.
“We’re thrilled to be opening in time for summer. It’s taken a lot of hard work and decision making to get here, and I couldn’t be more grateful to our incredible builders. I think what Trinity offers is really unique, and I can’t wait to see what our regulars think of all the new additions,” says owner Matt Nikakis, a third-generation hospitality veteran with two hotels under his belt.
This year, Matt’s 18-year-old son Nick Nikakis is joining the family business. Nick is named after his grandfather, who is the namesake of the Brownlow of hospitality awards: the Australian Hotels Association’s Nick Nikakis Award. It’s the highest and most prestigious award for an honouree who serves as an inspiration to the entire hospitality industry. Nick is excited to cut his teeth pulling beers behind Trinity’s 12-tap bar.
EAT | DRINK
A 12-metre shipping container kitchen has been installed, allowing for a broad, considered menu led by Nikakis Hospitality Executive Chef Ben Forrest, who brings decades of experience designing menus for hotels and leading national pub group kitchens.
The Trinity summer menu offers elevated Aussie pub classics with a British and Irish influence, complemented by European dishes like Chicken Paillard, Prosciutto and Melon, Vodka Rigatoni and a moreish Burrata dish. There’s also a Trinity Cheeseburger, a mainstay from the original burger menu.
Ben is able to lean into his Irish heritage at Trinity, honouring his mother and grandmother’s home cooking with hero dishes like the Traditional Sunday Roast.
“The Sunday Roast was almost a holy tradition in my family. It’s about sharing food and good conversation with loved ones – a compulsory weekly activity. We always used rosemary from dad’s herb garden. I created a kitchen garden at Trinity, with fresh rosemary that we use to season our duck fat potatoes. Our gravy is made the right way with juices from the pan, and we’ve got a cracker Yorkshire pudding, rendered in beef tallow. I’m looking forward to introducing more Irish dishes inspired by my family’s cooking when we launch the autumn/winter menu,” says Ben.
The Trinity Spice Bag interprets a modern Irish classic, with a secret spice mix.
“We started our R&D on the Spice Bag years ago, testing it as a Trinity special. We’ve worked really hard to elevate the spice bag into a plated dish for the new menu, while being careful not to mess too much with a classic,” says Ben.
The Spritz All Day menu will remain on the drinks list, with Limoncello, Aperol, Campari and Hugo spritzes setting up summer for fun. A considered new cocktail menu is being developed, with seasonal updates. Trinity will continue its focus on approachable, well-priced options across beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks.
GATHER
The makeover sees the Trinity Terrace completely reworked, with a clear glass roof and wall along Chapel St, on the corner of Brighton Rd. The space will offer full weather protection while retaining views of the venue’s heritage red brick facade. With flexible furniture and upgraded acoustics, the terrace will move easily between sit-down dining and stand-up events of up to 200 guests.
The glass structure design by BSPN (Queen Victoria Markets Food Hall, Lord Stanley Hotel) is unique in Melbourne’s southside, celebrating the character and identity of a much-loved destination and enhancing the existing building and its garden setting.
The Fun Room joins The Hideaway and The Mezzanine rooms, making Trinity one of the most diverse options for functions, gatherings and parties for all ages. The Fun Roomis designed for birthdays, group bookings and small events, accommodating up to 24 seated or 50 standing guests. Featuring chapel-style windows overlooking the children’s playground and acoustic treatment throughout, it’s designed to comfortably host both family and adult gatherings.
The popular kids’ playground – already a big drawcard for local families – has been refreshed with more play equipment including a ‘Ride the Wave’ rocker to build on its bayside theme. Linked umbrellas for sun and rain protection have been added, as well as an outdoor TV for parents who want to keep an eye on the cricket or footy.
A new 20-person table integrated into the main hall is predicted to be an in-demand booking for birthday and anniversary get-togethers. Outside in the corner facing Brighton Rd, the Trinity Courtyard will now feature an undercover pool table.
Trinity will reopen at 12pm on Friday 27 November, with the opening weekend launching a stacked summer music program.
DUELLING PIANOS will take over Friday nights from 8pm.
TRINITY SOUNDS featuring acoustic musicians will play the Trinity Terrace from 2pm-5pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Melbourne DJs will helm the decks in the main hall on Saturday nights from 8pm.
THE SUNDAY ROAST will be christened on 29 November, available every week from 12pm until sold out.
The venue will open from 3pm-late Mondays-Thursdays, Noon-1am Fridays and Saturdays, and Noon ’til late on Sundays.
Trinity has become a St Kilda fixture for drinks, food and live music since establishing in a former heritage church hall in 2022. The makeover marks a full takeover of the Trinity site from the neighbouring church, for the first time in the church’s 100-year-old history. With nods to monk beer brews, church dances and school fetes, the new direction leans further into its role as a social, community hub.