Searchers looking for Bells Hotel often encounter two different venues: a multi-level South Melbourne pub with a rooftop bar and nine function spaces, and a traditional waterfront locals’ pub in Woolloomooloo, Sydney. This comparison draws on official venue information, a detailed review from 3AW’s Tony Leonard, and OpenTable ratings to help you decide which Bells Hotel fits your next outing. Both venues share a name but offer distinct experiences — one geared toward sport, dining and events, the other toward relaxed waterfront drinking.
Last checked: 2026-10-02
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Location (South Melbourne): 157 Moray Street, South Melbourne VIC · Location (Woolloomooloo): Woolloomooloo NSW (exact address not provided) · Type: Pub with rooftop bar, sports bar, function spaces, dining rooms · Opening hours (South Melbourne): Open 10am-4am
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-10-02.
Sources reviewed: official property websites (bellshotel.com.au, thebellshotel.com.au), independent review platform (OpenTable), local journalism (3AW Pub of the Week review), food blogs (ParmaDaze), editorial guides (Time Out Sydney, AGFG), directory listings (LocalSearch, Yelp, TableAgent), and the venues’ Instagram profiles.
We conducted no on-site visit, no staff interview, and no independent price verification. Pricing and menu specifics were drawn from published menus and third-party reviews; current prices may vary.
Bells Hotel at a glance
- 157 Moray Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205 (official website)
- 1 Bourke Street, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011 (The Bells Hotel official site)
- Nine function and event spaces including a rooftop bar (official FAQ)
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| South Melbourne location | 157 Moray Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205 |
| Woolloomooloo location | 1 Bourke Street, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011 |
| Venue type (South Melbourne) | Pub with rooftop bar, sports bar, dining rooms, nine function spaces |
| Venue type (Woolloomooloo) | Traditional waterfront pub with outdoor seating, games and live music |
| Opening hours (South Melbourne) | 10:00 am to 4:00 am daily |
| Main Hall capacity (South Melbourne) | Up to 200 standing, 160 seated |
| Rooftop capacity (South Melbourne) | Up to 100 standing |
| OpenTable rating (South Melbourne) | 4.0/5 overall; food 4.5, service 4.5, ambience 3.5, value 4.5 |
| 3AW review published | 29 November 2023 |
| Function room (Woolloomooloo) | Free hire for social or work occasions (no published capacity) |
Bells Hotel South Melbourne
The South Melbourne venue at 157 Moray Street describes itself as independently owned. According to its official website, it opens daily from 10am to 4am and offers a wraparound ground-floor bar with distinct dining and sports sides. Upstairs, nine function spaces — including the Main Hall, Hennessy Room, Lady Kaye and a rooftop — accommodate events ranging from corporate functions to weddings. The Main Hall features a retractable roof, making it usable year-round.
Tony Leonard’s 3AW review from November 2023 called it “an acme, iconic pub of Melbourne” and noted that operator Sam Tresise modernised the property while retaining the DNA of the older pub. The ground floor, Leonard reported, balances a dining-oriented side with a sports-oriented side showing live AFL, NRL, NBA, horse racing and other events.
Rooftop bar and function spaces
The rooftop bar is open during the venue’s trading hours and can host events of up to 100 guests. The official functions page lists the Main Hall (up to 200 standing, 160 seated), the Hennessy Room (up to 100 standing, 80 seated, also divisible), and Lady Kaye (up to 100 standing, 50 seated). The venue advertises lift access to the rooftop and Main Hall, and some areas are at ground level for accessibility.
Opening hours and atmosphere
Open daily from 10am to 4am, the venue welcomes a mix of diners, sports fans and event groups. A ParmaDaze review from 2017 described it as “a pub of many personalities” — front bar, dining room and sports bar rolled into one. The 3AW review and OpenTable ratings (food 4.5, service 4.5, ambience 3.5, value 4.5) suggest the food and service outrank the atmosphere in customer perception.
The bottom line: South Melbourne’s Bells Hotel functions best as a large-scale dining and events destination with strong sports coverage, underpinned by its flexible function spaces and long trading hours.
Bells Hotel Sydney
The Woolloomooloo venue, located at 1 Bourke Street, presents a different proposition. Its official website describes it simply as “a traditional Australian pub” with Australian and international beers, outdoor seating, TVs, a jukebox, darts and a pool table. Time Out Sydney calls it “a family-run pub that marks the beginning of Bourke Street” and “a proper old waterfront watering hole”.
Atmosphere and amenities
The pub emphasises a relaxed, local atmosphere. Outdoor seating overlooks the water, and the website promotes “a top line-up of Aussie and world beers, outdoor seating, plus a view money can’t buy”. Yelp reviewers note old-fashioned Australian charm and sidewalk seating with a waterfront view. Live music is mentioned by Time Out, though no current schedule appears on the official site.
Food and drink offerings
The Australian Good Food Guide (AGFG) describes the menu as combining classic pub food with a contemporary twist. LocalSearch lists takeaway, delivery and dine-in options, as well as happy-hour drinks. The official site does not publish a detailed menu, but reviewers mention standard pub fare in a relaxed setting.
What this means: Woolloomooloo’s Bells Hotel is best suited for those seeking a no-frills, sociable pub with outdoor views, rather than a multi-room event venue.
Bells Hotel Menu
Menu offerings diverge between the two locations according to their different scales. South Melbourne publishes a comprehensive menu online, while Woolloomooloo’s menu is described through third-party sources.
South Melbourne menu options
According to the official menu page, South Melbourne offers share plates, chicken parmas, Southern Ranges steaks, seafood, burgers and seasonal chef specials. The drinks list features local beers, Australian wines, craft cocktails and rotating taps. The 3AW review noted that a microbrewery was planned as part of the redevelopment, but its current status is unconfirmed.
Woolloomooloo pub menu
The official Woolloomooloo site does not list a menu, but AGFG reports “classic pub food with a contemporary twist”. Yelp and LocalSearch confirm standard pub meals are available. The venue appears to focus on straightforward food to complement its drinks and social atmosphere.
The trade-off: South Melbourne offers a broader, more ambitious menu with dedicated dining spaces; Woolloomooloo keeps its food simple and serviceable for a waterfront pub crowd.
Bells Hotel Photos
Visual resources for both venues are available primarily through their official websites and Instagram accounts. Potential visitors can browse interior and exterior images before deciding which atmosphere fits their plans.
Instagram gallery
South Melbourne’s Bells Hotel maintains an Instagram account (@bellshotel) showcasing its rooftop, function spaces and food. Woolloomooloo’s promotional images on its website show outdoor seating and the pub facade. No Instagram handle was confirmed for the Sydney venue.
Interior and exterior images
On the South Melbourne site, photo galleries display the Main Hall, rooftop, Hennessy Room and ground-floor bar. The Woolloomooloo site features a few exterior shots and images of the bar area. Third-party listings on Yelp and Time Out also include user-uploaded photos.
What to watch: For visual planning, the South Melbourne Instagram account provides the most up-to-date imagery; Woolloomooloo’s official site gives a solid impression of its waterfront setting.
Comparison: South Melbourne vs Woolloomooloo
| Attribute | Bells Hotel South Melbourne | Bells Hotel Woolloomooloo |
|---|---|---|
| Venue Type | Multi-level pub, dining, sports, events | Traditional waterfront pub |
| Atmosphere | Diverse: dining room, sports bar, rooftop, function rooms | Relaxed, locals-oriented with outdoor seating |
| Key Amenities | 9 function spaces, rooftop bar, lift access, accessible areas, live sport on multiple screens | TVs, jukebox, darts, pool table, outdoor terrace, free function room hire |
| Menu Focus | Parmas, steaks, seafood, burgers, seasonal specials, local beers and craft cocktails | Classic pub meals with contemporary twist, Australian/imported beers, happy-hour drinks |
| Parking | Limited street parking; tram access on Clarendon Street | Street parking near Woolloomooloo wharf |
| Best For | Event groups, sports fans, diners seeking variety | Casual drinkers, small social groups, waterfront views |
Pros and cons of each location
Bells Hotel South Melbourne
Pros
- Nine flexible event spaces with named capacities
- Rooftop bar open until 4am
- Broad menu with premium cuts and seasonal items
- Lift access improves mobility
Cons
- Limited street parking; no dedicated car park
- OpenTable ambience rating (3.5) suggests noise or layout issues for some diners
- No on-site accommodation
Bells Hotel Woolloomooloo
Pros
- Waterfront location with outdoor seating
- Free function room hire
- Live music and traditional pub games (darts, pool)
Cons
- No published menu or capacity details for the function space
- Less suitable for large events or business functions
- Limited parking in busy Woolloomooloo area
Best for different visitor types
- Sports fans: South Melbourne, with its multiple screens showing AFL, NRL, NBA and more, plus dedicated sports-bar area.
- Event planners: South Melbourne offers nine named spaces with published capacities, including the all-weather Main Hall.
- Casual pub-goers: Woolloomooloo provides a relaxed, traditional pub atmosphere with outdoor seating and games.
Pricing expectations
Neither venue publishes a comprehensive price list online. Based on menu descriptions — South Melbourne offering Southern Ranges steaks and seafood (likely moderate to premium) — and Woolloomooloo’s positioning as a classic pub (likely mid-range), visitors should expect typical pub prices. South Melbourne may charge more for its premium cuts and craft cocktails, while Woolloomooloo is likely more affordable. No specific dollar amounts were confirmed.
Location and getting there
Bells Hotel South Melbourne sits at the corner of Moray and Dorcas Streets. The official site notes proximity to tram routes on Clarendon Street; the nearest tram stop is likely at the intersection of Clarendon and Coventry streets. Limited street parking is available.
Bells Hotel Woolloomooloo is at 1 Bourke Street, at the edge of the wharf. It is walkable from the CBD and close to the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Royal Botanic Garden. Street parking is available but often limited; public transport options include buses along Bourke Street and a ferry stop at Woolloomooloo Bay.
Our pick for different needs
Because the two venues serve different purposes, we do not crown a single winner. Instead, our recommendation depends on the reader’s scenario:
- Groups looking for a rooftop event space: Choose Bells Hotel South Melbourne for its nine function rooms, rooftop bar and flexible capacities.
- Local pub enthusiasts: Choose Bells Hotel Woolloomooloo for its waterfront setting, free function room hire and traditional pub games.
- Visitors to South Melbourne: The South Melbourne venue is a solid choice for a meal with sport or a group event, given its long hours and varied menu.
“Bells Hotel is an acme, iconic pub of Melbourne in South Melbourne.”
— Tony Leonard, 3AW reviewer
“Bells is a pub of many personalities.”
— ParmaDaze, independent food reviewer
Related reading: Clare Hotel Guide: SA Country Pub vs Sydney Boutique Hotel · The Vale Hotel: Compare Locations, Menus & Reviews
bellshotel.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Bells Hotel South Melbourne?
It is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 am, according to the official website.
Where is Bells Hotel in Sydney located?
The Woolloomooloo venue is at 1 Bourke Street, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011.
Does Bells Hotel have a rooftop bar?
Yes, the South Melbourne location has a rooftop bar that can host events for up to 100 guests.
Is parking available at Bells Hotel?
Both venues offer limited street parking. South Melbourne is also served by tram routes on Clarendon Street.
What type of food is on the menu at Bells Hotel?
South Melbourne’s menu includes share plates, chicken parmas, steaks, seafood, burgers and seasonal specials. Woolloomooloo serves classic pub meals with a contemporary twist.
How many function spaces does Bells Hotel South Melbourne have?
Nine function and event spaces, including the Main Hall, Hennessy Room, Lady Kaye and the rooftop.
What is the atmosphere like at Bells Hotel Woolloomooloo?
It is a relaxed, traditional waterfront pub with outdoor seating, TVs, a jukebox, darts and a pool table.
When was the Bells Hotel review published on 3AW?
Tony Leonard’s Pub of the Week review for South Melbourne was published 29 November 2023.
Sources cited
- OpenTable – Bells Hotel South Melbourne
- 3AW Pub of the Week review (29 Nov 2023)
- Time Out Sydney – Bells Hotel Woolloomooloo
- AGFG – The Bells Hotel Woolloomooloo
- ParmaDaze review (19 Jan 2017)
- LocalSearch – Bells Hotel Woolloomooloo
- Yelp – Bells Hotel Woolloomooloo
- TableAgent – Bells Hotel Woolloomooloo