The historic Hollywood Inn is making a comeback with a bistro, picnic-ready takeaway and a terrace for long afternoons overlooking Port Phillip Bay plus a fine dining restaurant to follow.
Almost a century after it first welcomed dancers, Hollywood Inn is preparing to welcome diners to the summit of Arthurs Seat. The 1931 landmark will reopen in stages this summer, bringing a bistro, an outdoor terrace and a takeaway kiosk to its hilltop setting, with fine dining restaurant Marija to follow in summer 2027.
Perched around 300 metres above sea level, the venue has a sweeping outlook across Port Phillip Bay. Soon, you’ll be able to take it all in over delicious bites, a spritz on the terrace or a picnic gathered from the kiosk.
Behind the revival are hospitality operators Simon Tarlington and Ben Cashmore, alongside owners Justin and Kirsten Abrahams. Together, they’re giving the historic address a new chapter, with room for everything from your first coffee of the morning to a celebratory dinner.
A hilltop landmark with a silver-screen past
Architect and developer Howard Lawson built Hollywood Inn in 1931, drawn to the summit’s expansive views. He wanted to entice tourists to the region, naming his new landmark after his love of the silver screen.
The building originally opened as a dance hall. Following an extension and refurbishment, it reopened as the Garden of the Moon in 1939. Now, the new team has worked with local artists, Joseph Alessi and Melbourne-based design firm Studio Y on a fit-out that honours Lawson’s original vision and the building’s history.
“Standing on the summit of Arthur’s Seat, you can see why Howard Lawson chose this spot,” says owner Justin Abrahams.
The original Ballroom will also return to hosting celebrations, accommodating up to 100 seated guests, with the option to divide the space for more intimate occasions.
Settle in for lasagne croquettes and spritzes overlooking the bay
At Hollywood Inn Bistro, the menu will put a playful spin on familiar favourites. Bite into lasagne croquettes, a duck burger and fish and chips, accompanied by a drinks list spanning local and international producers.
It’s designed for relaxed family meals and casual catch-ups, but the outdoor terrace might tempt you to make an afternoon of it. With seats for up to 100 guests, The Terrace will serve the bistro menu throughout the day, alongside spritzes and beer. Live music and those far-reaching bay views will provide the backdrop.
For a more casual stop, The Kiosk will open early for coffee, baked goods and something to take away. The sandwich selection includes a Hollywood Inn Reuben stacked with Sher Wagyu brisket, kimchi, Swiss cheese and pickles, plus a caponata and mozzarella melt. Salads and produce from suppliers including Teurong Farm and Morning Penni will round out the offering.
You’ll also be able to pick up cheese and salumi plates, local wine and beer for a picnic on the surrounding grounds.
A grandmother’s cooking inspires the next chapter
The precinct’s fine dining restaurant, Marija, will follow in summer 2027. Led by Tarlington, whose experience includes Paringa Estate and Jackalope Hotel, the 56-seat restaurant takes its name from his grandmother.
Her cooking will help shape a set-menu experience that combines classical European techniques with Australian produce, including the region’s seafood and seasonal ingredients.
“I grew up eating food that I just knew as ‘Granny’s food’, and it wasn’t until I did my chef apprenticeship that I recognised her cooking as expressions of traditional European cuisine,” says Tarlington. “I also want people to experience that European warmth and sense of community that makes a dining experience special.”
Moreover, Cashmore, whose background includes Stokehouse and Nick & Nora’s Melbourne, will oversee alcoholic and non-alcoholic pairings. An intimate 20-seat bar will complete the offering with premium drinks and signature cocktails.
Hollywood Inn will reopen in stages this summer, with Marija separately scheduled for summer 2027. Exact opening dates are still to be announced.
Find Hollywood Inn at 790 Arthurs Seat Scenic Road, Arthurs Seat, on the Mornington Peninsula.
