The Bells Hotel Story

IT ALL STARTEd

At the quarterly meeting on 19 September 1874, the licensing magistrate for the Emerald Hill district granted a publican’s license to HW Freer, who named his hotel Freer’s Family Hotel. This hotel was designed by architect M Hennessy who was also responsible for the Meagher’s Family Hotel in City Road and the Maori Chief Hotel in Moray Street.

BELLS WAS MADE

After a rapid turnover of licensees, Annie Bell took over in 1935 and it remained within the Bell family until 2013; the longest present-day association between any family and hotel in South Melbourne. Parts of the original hotel remain, including the slate roof, chimneys and double hung sash windows.

BELLS HOTEL TODAY

With negotiations commencing in 2011, Sam Tresise finalised ownership of Bells Hotel in 2013. Since, he has built a venue that has it all.
Whether you want to watch some live sport with mates, get away in the Gardens, have celebratory drinks on the rooftop, or simply treat yourself to one of Melbourne’s best parma’s, Bells has got it all.