Hickens Hotel Review: History, Dog Policy & Rooftop Bar

Hickens Hotel, the four-level pub and rooftop bar on Russell Street in Melbourne’s CBD, opened after a $12 million renovation that transformed the former Crafty Squire into a destination with a rooftop, karaoke rooms and Australia’s first Carlton Draught lounge. This guide draws on official venue information, editorial reviews and an independent accessibility assessment to help you decide whether this reborn corner pub matches its ambitious billing.

Last checked: 2026-06-03

Opening hours: 11am–late daily · Number of levels: 4 · Rooftop bar: Outdoor bar with trees and fairy lights · Former name: The Crafty Squire

What is the history of the Hickens Hotel?

The corner of Russell and Little Collins Streets has hosted a pub for nearly 160 years. Concrete Playground describes the site as an “enduring cornerstone watering hole” that has poured drinks since the 1860s. The venue was known for many years as The Crafty Squire before closing for a major redevelopment.

“An enduring cornerstone watering hole”

Concrete Playground

The Crafty Squire era

Under its former identity, The Crafty Squire was a classic CBD pub occupying the same corner. Concrete Playground notes the venue operated continuously as a pub on that site for roughly a century and a half before the rebrand.

Renovation and rebranding to Hickens Hotel

The transformation involved an extensive AU$12 million renovation that added two new floors, including the rooftop. Both Concrete Playground and The Urban List report the $12 million figure, calling it a complete top-to-bottom “glow-up”. The new name Hickens Hotel pays homage to Ebenezer “Abe” Hicken, a British-born boxer and Australian champion who was the venue’s original landlord in the 1870s, according to The Urban List. The heritage façade was preserved, giving the building a link to its 19th-century roots while the interior was redesigned for a multi-level experience.

Is Hickens Hotel dog friendly?

Based on the sources reviewed, Hickens Hotel’s official website and reservation platform do not mention a dog-friendly policy. The Urban List’s review mentions a ground-floor “beer garden–style seating” but does not specify whether dogs are permitted. An informal check of the venue’s social media did not turn up clear guidance. Without an explicit statement from the venue, it appears that dogs may not be allowed inside, though outdoor areas could be worth confirming directly. Visitors planning to bring a pet should call ahead or check the venue’s Instagram for the latest policy updates.

The bottom line: No public dog policy confirmed; best to verify with the venue before visiting with a pet.

Does Hickens Hotel have a smoking area?

Again, none of the tier-1 sources (official website, SevenRooms) mention a designated smoking area. The rooftop bar, described by Concrete Playground as an “open-air bar with inner-city views”, could potentially accommodate smoking, but neither Concrete Playground nor The Urban List explicitly state that smoking is permitted there. The accessibility review from Access With Ash notes the step-free entrance but does not address smoking. It is likely that smoking is not allowed indoors under Victorian laws, and any designated area would be on the rooftop or outside the venue – but this remains unconfirmed in available materials. Guests should inquire at the door.

The catch: No official smoking-area information is available; the rooftop is the most plausible spot but not guaranteed.

Who owns Hickens Hotel?

The research notes do not contain a direct statement of ownership from an official source. The SevenRooms widget shows that Hickens Hotel shares a booking platform with a group of Melbourne venues including Garden State Hotel, Imperial Hotel Bourke Street and Yarra Botanica, suggesting they may be under common management, but this is not confirmed by the venue’s own website or a business registry. The official Hickens Hotel website lists contact details and a functions page but does not name the operator or parent company. Ownership details remain opaque from publicly accessible information.

What to watch: The shared SevenRooms widget hints at a hospitality group, but no owner name is publicly stated. Contact the venue directly if ownership matters for your event planning.

Location and getting there

Hickens Hotel sits at 127 Russell Street, on the corner of Little Collins Street, in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. It is a short walk from Flinders Street Station and several tram routes along Swanston Street and Collins Street. The venue is within the Free Tram Zone, so getting there from the city centre costs nothing. For drivers, Russell Street offers metered parking and Access With Ash notes several accessible parking spots near the venue. The step-free entrance on Little Collins Street makes it easy for wheelchairs and prams to enter.

Alternatives near Hickens Hotel

For readers considering other options in the same part of the CBD, three nearby venues offer different experiences:

Each provides a distinct atmosphere, but Hickens Hotel’s combination of a dedicated rooftop, karaoke rooms and the Carlton Draught lounge gives it a unique edge among these options.

Related reading: Albert Park Hotel · Grace Emily Hotel

Frequently asked questions