The old Wayside Inn has undergone a major change—and we’re not talking a lick of paint and a new menu. It’s now Lush 2.0, a leafy, jungle-themed reimagination of the historic South Melbourne pub that blends modern dining, generous portions and a solid good time.
You’ll find it just a short wander from the South Melbourne Market, and if you’ve already heard the buzz, you’re not alone. Even during its soft opening, locals have been pilling in—mainly for the now legendary Monday night Baby Back Ribs, which keep selling out week after week.
According to owner Arjun Reddy, the formula is simple. “It’s not that the customer is always right—it’s that the customer is god. Everything starts and ends with great food and genuine service.”
From Historic Pub To Lush
Built around 1868, the Wayside Inn has poured many a pint in its time. Now, in just 42 days, Reddy and his team transformed it into a venue that keeps its neighbourhood soul but feels wholly new. Adorned in foliage-like wallpaper, warm timber walls and a riot of mural art by Mike Makatron splashed across the walls—Lush 2.0 is the kind of place that feels imaginative yet familiar simultaneously.
The layout’s been cleverly designed for all types of hangs—street dining, a laidback beer garden (yes, it’s pup-friendly) anchored by a rustic wood-fired pizza oven and two lively dining areas that flow into the dual bar zones, ideal for knock-offs. Upstairs, there’s a private event space with its own balcony that opens onto city views—the perfect hideaway for bigger celebrations. Oh, and there’s a pool table, because what’s a good pub without one?
“The overall goal is to bring five Lush venues to life across Melbourne,” says Arjun. “I know that’s ambitious, some people even think I’m crazy—but I have an extraordinary team who are highly motivated to make it happen with me.”
Comfort Food, Done Properly
If you’re after food that delivers big flavour and proper portions, you’ve found it. Lush 2.0’s menu ticks all the boxes by being hearty and heavy on those reimagined pub classics.
Alongside the famed Baby Back Ribs ($24.99), crowd-pleasers like Duck Confit, Grilled Barramundi and Chicken Parmas are already turning first-timers into regulars. The line-up of shared plates (crispy Arancini, Salt and Pepper Calamari and Antipasto Platters) set the tone for slow lunches, while mains range from Eye Fillet ($49) and Lamb Shanks ($36) to Chili Garlic Prawn Pasta ($30) and Mushroom Risotto ($28).
Finish strong with dessert—the Sticky Date Pudding ($18) is a standout, though the Chocolate Brownie and Cheesecake are equally convincing arguments to stay a little longer.
“People want to feel looked after, [with] food you actually crave,” says Arjun.
The drinks list backs that up, too—a solid mix of local and international beer, wine and spirits, built for everything from casual catchups to long social weekends.
Growing The Lush Life
Lush 2.0 follows the runaway success of Reddy’s first venture, Lush Rooftop & Bar in Keilor Park. After transforming that suburban spot from a string of failed owners into one of the area’s most searched venues, he’s now bringing that same community-first mindset closer to the city.
“People in the suburbs deserve a cool, welcoming place to come together,” says Arjun. My goal has always been to focus on residential areas, and so far, it’s proving successful.”
With Lush 3.0 already in the works and plans for the five-venue Melbourne network, Reddy’s hospitality vision is clearly just getting started.
Key Details
Where: Lush 2.0, 446 City Road, South Melbourne
Timings: Sunday-Thursday, 11:30am-9:30pm; Friday-Saturday, 11:30am-11:30pm