the Stokehouse, the next chapter …

The iconic Stokehouse was ablaze on Friday night as hundreds of people watched on as a fire took hold in the restaurant’s kitchen and engulfed the building reducing it to rubble. Early Saturday morning Port Phillip Council demolished the remains leaving a vacant lot.

The Van Haandel’s, who would have run the Stokehouse for 25 years this year vowed they would do everything possible to bring it back to it’s former glory. The recently refurbished restaurant was reincarnated by Pascale Gomes and the Stokie was right on point delivering casual beach chic.

Like the debate following the St Kilda Pier kiosk fire in 2003, locals and urban design experts are divided over what should be rebuilt on the Stokehouse site, a heritage replica of the early 1900s building or a contemporary venue. After seeing such a perfect replica that was built to replace the beloved St Kilda pier kiosk I seem to be leaning towards a replica too. All I do know is there will be much debate in the coming months to what will be the new Stokehouse.

Many laughs, drinks, delicious meals and sunsets had, we look forward to the next chapter of this Melbourne Icon.