St Kilda favourite Trinity is back just in time for summer. The pub and bar, which has called a former heritage church hall home since 2022, reopens at 12pm on Friday 27 November following a $2 million renovation. The makeover marks the first time in the church’s 100 years that the entire site has been handed over to Trinity, and the result is one of the area’s largest venues, with room for up to 450 guests, outdoor music licensed until 1am and a much bigger food offering. “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, who comes from three generations of hospitality and is now joined in the business by his son Nick, 18.
The kitchen has moved into a shipping container measuring 12 metres, giving Nikakis Hospitality Executive Chef Ben Forrest plenty of room to play. His summer menu serves up elevated Aussie pub classics with a British and Irish accent, alongside European plates like Chicken Paillard, Prosciutto and Melon, Vodka Rigatoni and a moreish burrata, while the beloved Trinity Cheeseburger stays put. Ben is also leaning into his Irish heritage with the Trinity Spice Bag, a plated take on the modern Irish classic with a secret spice mix, and a Traditional Sunday Roast inspired by his mother and grandmother’s cooking. Expect duck fat potatoes seasoned with rosemary from the venue’s own kitchen garden, gravy made properly from the pan juices and a Yorkshire pudding cooked in beef tallow. “The Sunday Roast was almost a holy tradition in my family,” says Ben.
Drinks remain approachable, with the Spritz All Day menu of Limoncello, Aperol, Campari and Hugo spritzes sticking around while a new seasonal cocktail list is developed, plus fairly priced beer, wine and zero alcohol options. The reworked Trinity Terrace now sits beneath a clear glass roof designed by BSPN, offering full weather protection on the corner of Chapel St and Brighton Rd while keeping the heritage red brick facade in view. Elsewhere, there’s a new table for 20 in the main hall, a Fun Room for birthdays and small gatherings, an undercover pool table in the courtyard and a refreshed kids’ playground, complete with an outdoor TV for parents keeping one eye on the cricket.
The opening weekend kicks off a packed summer program, with Duelling Pianos on Friday nights from 8pm, acoustic sets on the terrace from 2pm to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and Melbourne DJs in the main hall on Saturday nights. The Sunday Roast makes its debut on 29 November and will be served every week from 12pm until sold out. Trinity opens from 3pm until late Monday to Thursday, noon until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, and noon until late on Sundays.
Visit www.trinitystkilda.com
