The Prince Alfred Hotel on Bay Street has been a Port Melbourne fixture since 1867, balancing its Victorian pub heritage with modern pub grub, craft beer, and live music. This guide draws on the venue’s official website, local journalism, and aggregated reviews to help you decide whether this corner pub suits your next meal or night out. The pub was acquired by ICON Hospitality Group in December 2023, bringing industry experience from operators Courtney Joel, Jonathan White, Ryan McCann, and Trevor Hunter (News for the Food Lover).

Last checked: 2026-08-05

Address: 355 Bay Street, Port Melbourne, VIC 3207 · Opening Hours (per social media): Sun–Thu: 12–10 PM; Fri–Sat: 12–1 AM · Cuisine & Offerings: Pub classics, beer selection, evening ambiance · Online Rating: 4.2 (Uber Eats listing)

How we researched this

Last checked: 2026-08-05.

Sources reviewed: official property website, TripAdvisor reviews, Time Out Melbourne listing, Concrete Playground listing, 3AW radio review, Melbourne Localista directory, Facebook page, Uber Eats delivery listing.

We did not conduct an on-site visit, staff interview, or independent price verification. Hours and menu details were current at the time of publication but may change; we recommend checking the venue’s official channels before visiting.

Prince Alfred Hotel at a glance

1 Address
2 Founded
3 Kitchen hours
4 Rating

Is Port Melbourne a wealthy suburb?

Port Melbourne is often described as an affluent suburb within the Melbourne metropolitan area. Its median house prices rank among the city’s higher brackets, driven by its waterfront location, proximity to the central business district, and a stock of Victorian-era terrace houses and modern waterfront apartments. The suburb’s commercial spine, Bay Street, reflects this wealth with a concentration of boutique retailers, cafes, and higher-end dining options.

The suburb’s demographic profile appears to skew toward professionals and families drawn to the combination of beach access, parkland, and a relatively dense retail village. The Port of Melbourne’s industrial fringe along the Yarra River mouth sits in contrast, but residential areas west of Bay Street are firmly in the premium category. The pattern: Port Melbourne fits the profile of an expensive inner-bayside suburb, but the Prince Alfred Hotel itself remains a casual, unpretentious fixture accessible across income brackets, not a fine-dining destination.

What is the history of the Prince Alfred pub?

The Prince Alfred Hotel at 355 Bay Street opened in 1867, placing its founding in the decades after the Victorian gold rush, when Port Melbourne was transforming from a port town into a residential suburb. The building has undergone multiple rounds of renovation while retaining its Victorian-era character, including sealed flooring, a brick square bar, wooden tables, and a mural (3AW – Pub of the Week).

The pub is named after Prince Alfred, the fourth child of Queen Victoria, who became the first British prince to visit Australia during his 1867–68 tour. According to the National Museum of Australia, the visit was significant as the first royal tour of the Australian colonies. However, the hotel’s exact founding year relative to the name choice is not confirmed in available sources; the venue may have adopted the name in the prince’s honour during or after his visit.

In December 2023, ICON Hospitality Group acquired the venue. The acquisition was led by Courtney Joel, Jonathan White, Ryan McCann, and Trevor Hunter (News for the Food Lover). Since then, the pub has continued its programme of weekly food specials and live music without major repositioning. The official website and Facebook page (@ThePrinceAlfredHotel) show ongoing activity, contradicting any rumours of closure.

The bottom line: The Prince Alfred Hotel is one of Melbourne’s older continuously operating pubs, with a physical setting that blends 19th-century bones with 21st-century hospitality management.

Is there a restaurant on the water in Port Melbourne?

Port Melbourne is known for its bay-side dining, though many eateries sit one street back from the water rather than directly on the beachfront. The Prince Alfred Hotel itself is located on Bay Street, roughly a short walk from the Port Melbourne beach and foreshore, but it does not have water views. The venue operates as a pub and bar only, not offering overnight accommodation (Hotel Oz).

Popular waterfront restaurants nearby

For diners seeking a water-adjacent meal, several alternatives exist within walking distance. The Local Port Melbourne and Cornerstone Port Melbourne are mentioned in local guides as nearby venues, though claims about whether they sit directly on the water vary across sources. The Prince Alfred Hotel’s food offering — described on its official site as “hot, visually appealing and tasty pub food” along with “pub classics plus fun, fresh cocktails and a selection of beers on tap” (Prince Alfred Hotel official menu page) — is explicitly pub-oriented rather than fine dining.

The catch: If a waterfront restaurant is the priority, the Prince Alfred may not fit the bill. But its Bay Street location still places it within a five-minute walk of the beach, making it feasible to pair a pub meal with a foreshore stroll.

Local tip: The pub runs a Happy Hour Monday–Friday 3–6pm and weekly specials including Tuesday burger day, Wednesday steak night, and Thursday “Parma Disco” with $20 parmas and disco tunes 6–9pm — worth timing your visit around if budget is a factor.

When did Prince Alfred visit Australia?

Prince Alfred’s royal tour of Australia took place in 1867–68, making him the first British prince to set foot on Australian soil. According to the National Museum of Australia, the visit was a milestone in colonial-Australian relations with the Crown, and the prince toured Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania during his stay.

The timing is notable because the Prince Alfred Hotel in Port Melbourne was established in the same year — 1867 — suggesting the venue may have been named or renamed in conjunction with the prince’s tour. However, available sources do not confirm the exact date the hotel adopted the name. The Prince Alfred Hotel in Richmond (619 Church Street, Richmond, Victoria 3121) is a separate establishment dating back at least 150 years and rebuilt around 1899, according to its history page (Prince Alfred Hotel Richmond history page). The two venues should not be confused.

The implication: The Port Melbourne pub’s name anchors it in a specific moment of 19th-century colonial history, but its identity today is shaped far more by local regulars than by royal associations.

“An unassuming corner pub delivering a high level of pub hospitality… features include sealed flooring, an unusual brick square bar, wooden tables, a stage, pool table and mural.”

— Tony Leonard, 3AW Pub of the Week

What is the dress code at the Prince Alfred pub?

No dress code is specified on the Prince Alfred Hotel’s official website or in the available review sources. Given the venue’s positioning as a traditional Port Melbourne corner pub — 3AW’s review describes it as “unassuming” — a smart-casual standard is likely acceptable, as is typical for suburban Australian pubs of this style. Travellers should note that the venue does not position itself as a nightclub or formal dining room, so relaxed attire is the norm.

The bottom line: No strict rules have been published. If you feel comfortable in jeans and a collared shirt for a pub meal, you will not be out of place.

What is Port Melbourne known for?

Port Melbourne is defined by its dual identity as both a working port and a desirable bayside suburb. The Port of Melbourne remains one of Australia’s busiest container ports, with its industrial fringe along the Yarra River mouth. Simultaneously, the suburb’s residential core — centred on Bay Street — offers a village atmosphere with independent shops, cafes, and community events. The Port Melbourne beach and foreshore land are major recreational draws, and the suburb’s proximity to the CBD (approximately 4 km) makes it popular with commuters.

The Prince Alfred Hotel fits into this landscape as a classic Bay Street local. According to a YouTube hidden-gems feature on Port Melbourne, around 80% of people in the pub at any given time are locals whose names the venue’s staff know, illustrating the bar’s community-oriented identity (YouTube – Port Melbourne hidden gems feature).

Why this matters: The Prince Alfred’s strength lies in being a neighborhood watering hole, not a tourist draw. Its appeal comes from consistency and community, not waterfront views or curated cocktail lists.

Important note on name confusion: Two distinct Prince Alfred Hotels operate in Melbourne — one at 355 Bay Street, Port Melbourne (the subject of this guide), and another at 619 Church Street, Richmond. Do not confuse their hours, menus, or locations. The Richmond venue has a separate history and ownership.

Pricing band block

The Prince Alfred Hotel positions itself in the moderate price band typical of an inner-suburban pub in Melbourne. TripAdvisor’s Thai-language listing for the venue indicates a price range per meal of approximately ฿208–฿878, which — at indicative exchange rates — corresponds roughly to AUD $10–$40 per main (TripAdvisor Thai user review page). Weekly specials like $20 parmas (Thursday “Parma Disco”) and Tuesday burger day reinforce this affordable positioning.

Beer and cider pricing is less documented in available sources. The venue offers a selection of beers on tap and craft options, consistent with its pub-classics-and-fresh-cocktails drinks list. Exact pint prices are not published in the sources reviewed.

Pros and cons

Strengths

  • Historic setting with Victorian-era character and recent renovations
  • Strong community focus; large proportion of local regulars
  • Affordable weekly specials (burger day, steak night, Parma Disco)
  • Live music every Friday and Saturday night
  • Uber Eats delivery available (approx. 12:00–20:45 daily)
  • Close to Port Melbourne beach and Bay Street retail village

Considerations

  • No water views or waterfront dining; it is a corner pub, not a bay-side restaurant
  • Night-time noise from live music may not suit all visitors
  • No overnight accommodation available
  • Mixed opening hours reported across different sources — best to confirm via Facebook
  • Smaller review sample on TripAdvisor (26 reviews) compared to larger Melbourne venues

Best for segments

The Prince Alfred Hotel suits different visitors depending on their preferences.

  • Couples: A relaxed, low-key setting for a mid-week meal or Sunday roast — the venue’s warm atmosphere and table service suit a no-fuss date.
  • Groups of friends: Weekly specials (especially Thursday Parma Disco and Saturday live music) make it a viable after-work or weekend meetup spot.
  • Local regulars: The pub’s emphasis on knowing regulars by name and rotating specials rewards frequent visits.
  • Visitors to Port Melbourne: Conveniently located on Bay Street, the pub offers a genuine slice of local life — a better bet for atmosphere than for destination dining.

Location and getting there

The Prince Alfred Hotel sits on the corner of Bay Street and Spring Street East, within walking distance of Port Melbourne Town Hall. Bay Street is the suburb’s main commercial thoroughfare, lined with shops, cafes, and services. The venue is roughly a 10–15 minute walk from the Port Melbourne beach and foreshore, though exact distances are not published in available sources.

Public transport: tram routes 109 and 235 serve Bay Street, with stops near the pub. The venue has a corner location on Spring Street East, offering some on-street parking, though availability varies. Parking in Port Melbourne is generally limited during peak hours.

Sample itinerary or use case

A Saturday afternoon in Port Melbourne could begin with a walk along the beach and foreshore, followed by an early dinner at the Prince Alfred Hotel. Arriving around 4pm allows time to catch the tail end of Happy Hour (3–6pm Monday–Friday; Saturday hours may vary). Dinner from the pub menu — the Sunday roast is cited by multiple sources as a house favourite (Hotel Oz) — pairs with a locally brewed beer. From 9pm the live band starts, shifting the venue’s energy toward music and socialising. The pub stays open until 1am on Friday and Saturday nights (Concrete Playground).

For those not drinking, the venue’s Uber Eats delivery window (noon to roughly 8:45pm daily) offers the same menu at home. The flexibility to eat in or take away suits travellers with children or mobility concerns.

“Around 80% of the people in the pub at any given time are locals whose names we know. That’s the kind of community pub we are.”

— Unidentified venue representative, YouTube Port Melbourne hidden gems feature

Alternatives in Port Melbourne

Two nearby alternatives are referenced in available local guides:

  • The Local Port Melbourne: Mentioned as a nearby venue but not reviewed in detail in available sources. Located on Bay Street, it operates as a gastropub with a focus on seasonal produce.
  • Cornerstone Port Melbourne: Located on the corner of Bay and Liardet Streets, this venue positions itself as a contemporary pub with craft beer and a wine list. It is a separate business from the Prince Alfred.

Neither venue should be assumed to offer water views unless independently verified. For readers specifically seeking a restaurant on the water, dedicated searches on official tourism sites (e.g., Visit Victoria) may yield more precise results.

Our pick: When the Prince Alfred Hotel makes sense

The Prince Alfred Hotel is best suited for:

  • History enthusiasts who appreciate a pub founded in 1867 with surviving Victorian-era architectural details.
  • Pub-goers seeking a straightforward, affordable meal with regular specials and a good beer selection.
  • Local explorers who want a genuine Port Melbourne local experience rather than a tourist-facing venue.
  • Food and beer lovers on a budget — the weekly specials (burger day, $20 parmas, steak night) represent good value in a neighbourhood with higher-end dining options nearby.

It is less suitable for those seeking waterfront dining, a quiet romantic dinner without ambient noise, or accommodation.

Recommendation: If you are in Port Melbourne and want a pub that feels like a local’s local — with history you can see in the brick and mortar, and a kitchen that knows its roast — the Prince Alfred delivers. Confirm hours via its Facebook page before visiting, as published times vary across sources.

Additional sources

princealfred.com.au

Frequently asked questions

Does the Prince Alfred Hotel have a restaurant?

Yes, it offers a pub menu served daily from 12–9pm (until midnight Friday and Saturday). The menu includes pub classics, steaks, burgers, and a popular Sunday roast. Uber Eats delivery is also available noon–8:45pm daily.

Is there live music at Prince Alfred Hotel?

Yes, every Friday and Saturday night, the venue hosts live music. This is consistently mentioned across multiple sources, including the venue’s Instagram listing and local guide The Happiest Hour.

Does the Prince Alfred Hotel offer accommodation?

No. Hotel Oz confirms the venue operates as a pub and bar only, with no overnight accommodation.

What year was the Prince Alfred Hotel established?

Time Out Melbourne reports the pub was established in 1867, making it one of Melbourne’s older continuously operating hotels.

What are the weekly food specials?

Concrete Playground lists Tuesday burger day, Wednesday steak night, Thursday “Parma Disco” with $20 parmas, and a Sunday roast lunch.

Timeline of key dates

  • 1867: Prince Alfred Hotel established on Bay Street, Port Melbourne.
  • 1867–68: Prince Alfred becomes the first British prince to visit Australia; the venue may have been named during or after this tour.
  • Multiple years (20th century): The building undergoes renovations while retaining its Victorian-era character, including sealed flooring, brick square bar, wooden tables, and mural.
  • 2019–2020: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the pub operates on modified hours (4–8pm daily) with takeaway tap beer and full-menu takeaway.
  • December 2023: ICON Hospitality Group acquires the Prince Alfred Hotel, led by Courtney Joel, Jonathan White, Ryan McCann, and Trevor Hunter.
  • 2024–present: The venue continues operating with weekly food specials, live music on Fridays and Saturdays, and Uber Eats delivery.

Sources cited