top of page

STORY

Gin Palace: where history is intoxicating, but good times never age.

Born from the ashes of the debaucherous back-alley original, which was closed in 1870 for being "filthy and disgusting", the Gin Palace was resurrected in 1997 by Vernon Chalker. His vision was to restore gin's majestic status and offer a nocturnal sanctuary where martinis and champagne flow like a heady river of debauchery, every night of the week.

Our gin selection is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, with over 330 burgeoning and leading gins from every corner of the globe. Explore the menu at your leisure, or consult our staff – some who are here for their dazzling looks, others for their expertise, and perhaps a few for both. Our cocktails feature rare and seasonal ingredients, fresh produce, exotic botanicals, and intricate mixology. Our Gin & Tonic game is unmatched, with large goblets, ripe fruits, and carefully selected tonics. Feeling adventurous? Ask our staff to create a custom version for you.


Gin takes centre stage, complemented by world-famous toasted chicken sandwiches that earned us a spot among Melbourne's 50 best restaurants last century. They pair perfectly with a martini – your way – and are available until close each night.

Embark on a buoyant and indecorous voyage through the ages at Gin Palace, where impeccable service, world class liquor and comfort meet in perfect euphony.

1870

The Melbourne Gin Palace was shut down on 18 October 1870 by a magistrate for being in a filthy and disgusting condition.

Even though Vernon Chalker couldn’t prove that any members of his emancipist family were directly involved in the operation of this lurid establishment, he felt a strong, somewhat mystical, calling to resurrect its reputation and bring back the glory of the Gin Palace once enjoyed by royalty, magnates, swindlers, and cads during the Marvellous Melbourne gold rush era.

116 years, six months, and 16 days after its ignominious closure, the Gin Palace reopened its doors to great fanfare.

An early pioneer of Melbourne’s iconic laneway bar scene, this new era of luxurious libations was made possible by the loosening of Victorian liquor licensing; encouraging intimate spaces for discerning imbibers. With only 6 gins to be found in the country, the Gin Palace tempted fate and thirst by bringing in signature elixirs via duty free, curating a collection to rival royalty with craft cocktail innovation.

Oh, how the martinis and champagne flowed — like a raging, sparkling river of heady debauchery every night of the week!

1997

TODAY

Celebrating over a quarter-century of revelry, the Gin Palace stands as a venerated beacon of Melbourne's vibrant hospitality scene. 

Esteemed by industry pundits and patrons alike, we've become synonymous with both accolade and adventure, and our menu is a testament to our continued playful experimentation. Our sunken sanctuary, with its labyrinth of moody nooks, remains a steadfast haven for those seeking excellence served with a side of mischief.

Step into today's Gin Palace, where every visit is an encounter with history, innovation, and our signature cheeky charm.