Stoked for Stokehouse: The Return of a St Kilda Icon

It was January 2014 when Bayside’s iconic Stokehouse restaurant burned down, but it wasn’t long after all staff and patrons were safely evacuated that the owners announced that a rebuild was in order! Heading into the warmer months, C&G are so excited about the re-opening of this iconic St Kilda venue that we simply had to write a blog about it.

There’s not one but three restaurants in the new Stokehouse Precinct building, a striking location designed by renowned Robert Simeoni Architects. Hospitality experts Pascale Gomes-McNabb have created the interiors for the Stokehouse restaurant, with George Livisiannis collaborating on the interiors for Pontoon. The beloved St Kilda institution sure is back, and it also happens to be the first ever Designed and Built 5 Star Green premises of its kind!

Here’s the lowdown on the three Stokehouse Precinct dining options:

Paper Fish

If the people of Bayside could ask for an ideal fish and chip shop, it would have to be Paper Fish. With picnic tables seating around 60 people, it’s a beachside kiosk serving premium fish and chips - a far cry from the ‘tuckshop’ fish and chips you might be used to! With healthy options including fresh sides and seafood either grilled or cooked in a light, tempura-style batter, there are even plans to introduce a Paper Fish app. Ordering from the beach and having your food delivered straight to your patch of sand? Ah-mazing! Paper Fish is open now at 30 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda.

Pontoon

Fast-moving, casual, social. These are the words best used to describe the brand-new counterpart to the Stokehouse restaurant. Essentially a bar and grill style dining option, Pontoon will be located on the ground floor, with indoor and outdoor seating and a capacity of 350! The menu is designed around Pontoon’s four-metre long custom grill, and the kitchen will be open from midday until ‘late.’ With beautiful views of the foreshore, it’s also set to be a great location for a social drink. There will be 18 beers on tap, cocktails, wine and even frosés (frozen wine slushies)!

Stokehouse Restaurant

Located on the first floor, Stokehouse will be as premium a hero venue as ever before. Set to open on December 6, the head chefs have been confirmed - Richard Ousby and Ollie Hansford. We anticipate the architecture to be breathtaking, with Broadsheet Melbourne reporting that a ‘1.6 metre gap between the two levels… gives the impression the top floor is floating. It’s particularly spectacular as you ascend the stairs.’ Wowza!

To stay afresh of Stokehouse news - follow these three new venues on Instagram via @stokehousestkilda, @pontoonstkilda and @_paperfish and remember – it’s never too early to book and avoid disappointment.