The Skinny Dog Hotel has been a fixture on Kew’s High Street since 1874, and its official photo gallery offers more than just pictures of parmas and pints. By tracing images from the venue’s history page to recent rooftop shots, you can see how this inner-suburban pub has evolved from a traditional local hotel into a multi-level gastropub with a light-filled atrium. This article walks through what the photos actually show, what verified facts support the visual story, and what questions remain for prospective visitors.
Last checked: 2026-07-03
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Name: Skinny Dog Hotel · Location: 155 High Street, Kew, VIC 3101, Australia · Year Established: 1853 · Type: Pub & Hotel · Website: skinnydoghotel.com.au · Contact: +61 3 9853 8023
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-07-03.
Sources reviewed: official property website, Australian Good Food Guide listing, Tripadvisor profile, Facebook page, Instagram social media post, Concrete Playground editorial feature, FANZO sports bar directory, Surreal event listing.
We did not conduct an on-site visit, interview staff, or independently verify ownership information.
Skinny Dog Hotel at a glance
- Address: 155 High Street, Kew, VIC 3101, Australia (Facebook page)
- One of only three surviving historic hotels in Kew, alongside Hotel Kew and the Harp (Official history page)
- Major upgrade added a rooftop with refined gastropub food and a large light-filled atrium, open Wed–Sun from 11:30am until late (Concrete Playground)
- 3.7 out of 5 stars from 117 Tripadvisor reviews, ranked #9 of 60 restaurants in Kew (Tripadvisor)
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Skinny Dog Hotel |
| Location | 155 High Street, Kew, VIC 3101, Australia |
| Year Established | 1874 (approximate) |
| Type | Pub & Hotel (modern Australian pub-restaurant) |
| Website | skinnydoghotel.com.au |
| Contact | +61 3 9853 8023 |
Who owns the Skinny Dog Hotel?
Public records do not identify the current ownership of the Skinny Dog Hotel. The venue’s official history page discusses its long operation but does not name owners or management groups. A 2023 article from Concrete Playground refers to the hotel as “150 years old” but omits ownership details. Based solely on available sources, ownership remains unconfirmed.
The bottom line: The lack of public ownership information does not affect the venue’s operation; bookings and enquiries are handled directly through the phone number +61 3 9853 8023 listed on the hotel’s Facebook page.
Is the Skinny Dog Hotel dog friendly?
The hotel’s name strongly suggests a pet‑friendly policy, and its social media posts occasionally show dogs in the beer garden. However, no official statement on the website or in verifiable third‑party sources explicitly confirms that dogs are allowed inside or overnight. The Facebook page does not list a pet policy. One Instagram reviewer described the venue as a “pretty standard watered‑down pub” and gave it 6.5 out of 10, without mentioning dogs.
“Pretty standard watered‑down pub … has its role to play.”
— Instagram urinal review of the Skinny Dog Hotel, 2024
What to watch: Travelers seeking a guaranteed dog‑friendly stay should contact the venue directly by phone before booking, as no written policy has been published in any of the sources we reviewed.
Note: A similarly named venue, “The skinny dog‑new” beer bar in a different location, promotes late‑night hours and live bands. That establishment is not affiliated with the Skinny Dog Hotel in Kew, and its dog policy is separate.
What is the history of the Skinny Dog Hotel?
The Skinny Dog Hotel began operation in approximately 1874, making it one of Kew’s longest‑running pubs. According to the official history page, it is one of only three historic hotels still operating in Kew, alongside the Hotel Kew (Clifton Hotel) and the Harp. Originally a traditional local pub, the venue has shifted over the decades to a modern inner‑suburban hotel focusing on local produce and contemporary dining.
The photo gallery on the official website captures this evolution: older images show a classic corner pub with dark wood and a single bar, while more recent photos – many posted on the hotel’s Facebook page – reveal a multi‑level layout, a rooftop bar, and a large atrium filled with natural light. A major upgrade covered by Concrete Playground in November 2023 confirmed the addition of a rooftop with “refined gastropub food, live music, and a large light‑filled atrium.” For a similar visual tour, check out the Arcadia Hotel Photo Gallery.
“The 150‑year‑old Skinny Dog Hotel in Kew has undergone a major upgrade with the addition of a new rooftop.”
— Concrete Playground, November 2023
The hotel also hosts regular live entertainment, including a Thursday Night Acoustic series and comedy nights featuring Australian comedian Lawrence Mooney. A June 2026 Facebook post promotes “Non‑stop laughs at The Skinny Dog!” with Mooney.
The pattern: The Skinny Dog Hotel’s history is not static – its physical space and programming have been consciously updated to attract a broader audience while retaining the character of a 150‑year‑old local pub.
Tip for visitors: The Thursday Night Acoustic events (listed on Surreal.live) and the comedy nights (announced on Facebook) are good opportunities to see the venue in a lively, non‑sports‑bar setting. Check the hotel’s Facebook page for the most current schedule.
What is on the Skinny Dog Hotel menu and what do reviews say?
Skinny Dog Hotel Menu
The Australian Good Food Guide lists the Skinny Dog Hotel as a modern Australian pub‑restaurant with table bookings and downloadable menus. A $15 Express Lunch is offered, suggesting a value‑focused daytime option. The Facebook page and other sources confirm pub classics – including large parmas – and a kids menu. Happy Hour deals (prices such as $5 house wine, $6 schooners, $7 basic spirits) run from 4 pm to 7 pm, according to a local community group post.
Skinny Dog Hotel Photos
The hotel’s Facebook photo gallery provides the most complete visual record. Images depict a bright, multi‑level interior with exposed brick, a long bar with taps, and a rooftop with seating and greenery. Food photos show plated dishes like parmas, steaks, and burgers. Event photos capture live music and comedy crowds. The official website also hosts a history page with archival images.
The implication: The photo gallery is the primary window into the venue’s current atmosphere – more revealing than any written description alone.
Skinny Dog Hotel Reviews
Tripadvisor shows a 3.7 out of 5 rating from 117 reviews, ranking the venue at #9 of 60 restaurants in Kew. Reviews are mixed: some praise the atmosphere and the new rooftop, while others note inconsistency in food quality and service. One recent Instagram video (a “urinal review”) rated the venue 6.5 out of 10, calling it “a pretty standard watered‑down pub” but acknowledging it “has its role to play.” The Duke of Wellington Melbourne also offers a rooftop experience comparable to the Skinny Dog Hotel.
The bottom line: The Skinny Dog Hotel is a mid‑tier option in Kew’s dining scene. The photos suggest a warm, modern space, but individual experiences vary – especially outside of peak Happy Hour or live‑event times.
the-barking-dog.co.uk, facebook.com, ilovemanchester.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the address of Skinny Dog Hotel?
155 High Street, Kew, VIC 3101, Australia.
What is the phone number of Skinny Dog Hotel?
+61 3 9853 8023.
Does Skinny Dog Hotel have a website?
Yes: skinnydoghotel.com.au.
What type of food does Skinny Dog Hotel serve?
Modern Australian pub classics, including large parmas, steaks, burgers, and a $15 Express Lunch menu.
Does Skinny Dog Hotel have a kids menu?
Yes, the Australian Good Food Guide listing confirms a kids menu is available.