The Napier Hotel at 210 Napier Street in Fitzroy, Melbourne, is a Victorian-era pub that has operated continuously since 1866. But search online and you’ll find references to several other “Napier hotels” across South Africa and New Zealand, fueling confusion about fires, ownership, and even a popular TV show. This article separates fact from rumor for the Fitzroy landmark and maps the broader landscape of similarly named properties.

Last checked: 2026-07-29

Name: The Napier Hotel · Address: 210 Napier St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia · Phone: (03) 9419 4240 · Hours: Mon-Tue 3pm-11pm, Wed-Sun from 12pm (weekends), lunch Fri-Sun · Heritage: Listed on Victorian Heritage Register · Established: 1866

By OZ Hotel Guide Staff | February 26, 2026

How we researched this

Last checked: 2026-07-29.

Sources reviewed: Yelp business page, Word of Mouth Australia, TripAdvisor listings (for South African Napier properties), Expedia listing (for New Zealand Napier motel), Hotels.com listing, Wotif travel guide, Trip.com hotel list, Victorian Heritage Register (via external references).

We did not conduct an on‑site visit, interview staff, or independently verify menu prices or opening hours. Data for the Fitzroy pub is drawn from user‑review platforms and may not reflect current operations.

DetailValue
NameThe Napier Hotel
Address210 Napier St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
Phone(03) 9419 4240
HoursMon‑Tue 3pm‑11pm, Wed‑Sun from 12pm (weekends), lunch Fri‑Sun
HeritageListed on Victorian Heritage Register
Established1866
Yelp presence54 photos and reviews as of July 2026
Filming creditFeatured as the pub in the TV series Jack Irish

What happened to the Napier Hotel?

The short answer: it’s still open. Yelp’s listing for the Fitzroy pub shows “currently open daily” with the profile updated into July 2026. Despite persistent rumors that the building burned down or was sold to a television personality, no credible source confirms either. The fire rumor likely originates from a different property — perhaps the Napier Country Hotel in South Africa, which has received mixed reviews but also remains listed on the platform.

The confusion with Ben and Erin Napier’s hotel (the couple behind HGTV’s Home Town) is entirely separate: their “Napier” refers to the surname, not a hotel name. The Fitzroy pub has no connection to that show or to any renovation project in Laurel, Mississippi.

Debunking fire rumors

No major Australian news outlet has reported a fire at the Napier Hotel. The building’s heritage listing would likely require public notice of any significant damage. If you see social media posts claiming the pub has burned, cross‑check against the Yelp page or the venue’s own social media — as of this writing, the pub continues to serve lunch and operate its bar.

⚠️ What to watch: The Napier Hotel in Fitzroy is not the same as the Napier Country Hotel (South Africa) or the eMotel Napier (New Zealand). Each is a distinct business with its own reviews and history.

Who owns the Napier Hotel?

Ownership details are not recorded in the sources we reviewed. The Yelp listing describes it as an “iconic neighbourhood pub,” which often indicates local or family ownership, but no individual or company name is listed on the Yelp profile or in other user‑review platforms. The pub is operated as a hotel‑style venue, but its primary business is as a bar and dining pub.

For comparison, the Sir Napier Boutique Guesthouse in South Africa explicitly names hosts Gert and Robert in a November 2024 review, and the Napier Country House is a guesthouse with two rooms run by a proprietor. The Fitzroy pub’s ownership remains anonymous to casual searchers — a common trait for historic pubs that have changed hands many times.

What pub is Jack Irish filmed in?

The Napier Hotel in Fitzroy serves as the exterior of the pub where the titular character of the Australian TV series Jack Irish drinks. The show’s production crew filmed exterior shots at the corner of Napier and Moor Streets, making the pub a recognizable landmark for fans. Interior scenes were likely filmed on a set, but the pub’s distinctive facade appears in multiple episodes.

No other “Napier” venue has a confirmed film credit. The confusion sometimes arises because New Zealand’s Napier city has its own art‑deco hotels, but the Jack Irish connection is exclusive to the Fitzroy pub.

Location and getting there

The Napier Hotel is a short walk from the Fitzroy tram lines (routes 11 and 96) and about 20 minutes by tram from the CBD. The corner location at Napier and Moor Streets is in one of Melbourne’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, surrounded by independent restaurants, bars, and street art. On‑street parking is limited; public transport or ridesharing is recommended.

📍 Map: [Map placeholder]
Additional sources

tripadvisor.com.au, no.tripadvisor.com, ar.tripadvisor.com

FAQ about the Napier Hotel

Is the Napier Hotel in Fitzroy the same as Ben and Erin Napier’s hotel?

No. Ben and Erin Napier are the hosts of HGTV’s Home Town, based in Laurel, Mississippi. Their name “Napier” is a surname, not a hotel property. The Fitzroy pub has no connection to that show or to any renovation project in the United States.

What happened to Ben and Erin Napier’s hotel?

The show’s spin‑off Home Town Takeover featured a renovation of a historic hotel in Wetumpka, Alabama — not a “Napier Hotel.” The confusion likely arises from fans searching for “Napier Hotel” and finding the Fitzroy pub instead.

Does the Napier Hotel have a beer garden?

Yes, the pub has a rear beer garden that is popular on weekends. Several Yelp reviews mention the outdoor seating area. It is a covered courtyard with a relaxed vibe.

What type of food does the Napier Hotel serve?

The menu focuses on classic pub fare: Sunday roasts, fish and chips, burgers, and daily specials. Reviewers consistently praise the Sunday roast. No menu is available online, but the pub’s social media occasionally posts updates.

Is the Napier Hotel open for lunch every day?

No. Lunch is served Friday to Sunday only. On Monday and Tuesday the pub opens at 3pm, and on Wednesday/Thursday it opens from 12pm but without lunch service on those days.

Sources cited