In late 2020, Rustica founder Brenton Lang restored Williamstown pub the Hobsons Bay Hotel to its former glory, recruiting ex-Supernormal head chef Ben Pigott to helm the kitchen.

Now, Lang and Pigott are bringing their expertise to another watering hole: The Flying Duck Hotel, a backstreet boozer in Prahran that’s been around since 1868. And while it’s had many different names – and led many different lives – over the years, it’s perhaps best known for its lush green beer garden (with a soaring glass atrium).

The pub has been closed since May, but come late October – or early November – the corner spot on Bendigo Street will be back in action as a neighbourhood local.

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However, the goal for the refurb (and new offering) is to blur the line between pub and restaurant. “We have designed a new dining space … creating a mixture of both a public bar atmosphere at the rear and a more polished restaurant service in the dining room at the front,” Piggott said in a statement. Behind the interiors is designer Fiona Drago, who’s responsible for most of the Rustica locations and the Hobsons Bay Hotel.

Menu-wise, the tried-and-tested pub stalwarts will be rounded out with dishes like ocean-fresh tuna sashimi, crisp roast duck and a trifle loaded with super-seasonal fruit.

The Flying Duck Hotel is slated to reopen in late spring.

flyingduckhotel.com.au