Refinery Group is stepping into hospitality in Victoria with The Angel of Malvern, led by founder and managing director Mark Stevens and backed by developer Kokoda Property. Opening in stages across April and June 2026, The Angel of Malvern will unfold over three levels.
For Stevens, this isn’t a side project – it’s a deliberate extension of the group’s design-led residential model into venues built for long-term relevance.
“Refinery Group was created to extend the same design rigour and long-term thinking that define our residential developments into hospitality,” Stevens says. “The Angel of Malvern is the first expression of that – a concept-led, culturally grounded venue where architecture, food, service and atmosphere are considered as one.”
He’s clear on the brief: “We’re not interested in creating a one-dimensional pub. Each level has its own identity and energy, but together they form a cohesive experience grounded in quality and generosity.”
Food across the three levels will be overseen by executive chef Justin North, bringing more than 35 years of global hospitality experience. North says the venue has been structured as “a layered hospitality experience,” with each floor offering a distinct mood while maintaining consistency.
The ground floor lands as a true public bar – built for casual pints, walk-ins, and neighbourhood trade. Level one shifts into a Mediterranean-inspired eatery and wine bar, while the top floor turns down the lights with a late-night, speakeasy-leaning cocktail space and flexible event rooms.
The site itself dates back to 1856, first trading as The Gardiner Hotel before becoming the Angel Tavern. Design comes from Studio McCue, tasked with balancing heritage detail and contemporary edge. The result is intended to move seamlessly from weekday pub sessions to milestone celebrations – less about nostalgia, more about giving a historic address a clear future.