Balaclava Hotel History

Balaclava Hotel was first established in 1869 under the name Carlisle Hotel. T Ryan held the first license, though his insolvency led to a transfer of lease to Thomas W Fiske in 1873. The pub was a popular working class hotel for those living in St Kilda on the swampy Balaclava ‘flats’, as opposed to the ‘toffs’ who lived on the St Kilda hill. The rivalry ran so deep that they were known as ‘Flattites’ and ‘Hillites’ as they battled over the site of the ‘new’ Town Hall. Only a few years later in 1887, the current building was constructed. It was designed by John Frederick Gibbins, who incorporated publican Edward Allen’s name into the facade which remains today as “E. Allen’s Balaclava Hotel”.

Balaclava Hotel has seen a number of publicans, including Ferguson McLelland holding the license through the 1960s (who later managed Royal Hotel in Essendon) and then Peter Doyle from 1971 to 1983. During this time, the pub attracted its share of racing identities, bookmakers, jockeys, owners and trainers, and eventually a TAB was built next door. Racing journalist from Truth newspaper, Jack “Ace” Ayling enjoyed a few drinks at the pub over the years before moving on to the Post Office Club Hotel to join friend and famous jockey Roy Higgins. In 1994, Bruce Mathieson took over as owner of Balaclava Hotel and it has remained in the family business since.

Over the years, the exterior of the building has not changed much, however the interior has seen a number of renovations including a one-time beer garden and even a dance floor. In 2020, the hotel underwent its latest renovation to provide customers with a fresh bar and bistro downstairs, plus an additional bar and brand new rooftop bar upstairs.