It’s been four years since publican Matt Nikakis transformed a 100-year-old church hall into one of the St Kilda’s vibiest beer gardens. Trinity St Kilda features a warm greenery-laden bar, a nanna-chic sitting room and, most notably, a partially covered courtyard serviced by a refitted 1965 Airstream Overlander serving burgers, fries and other drinking food. Food trucks have also appeared from time to time.
Now comes a major upgrade, to the tune of $2 million big ones. The front courtyard is getting a new glass roof and wall bordering Chapel Street, giving it all-weather protection but retaining views. This new enclosure will also unlock later trading outdoors, with a 1am licence. For the first time, Trinity will be able to extend its indoor music program outside, with live acts and DJs planned.
The aesthetic Airstream is also going (sad), to be replaced by a more capable 12-metre, electrified shipping container kitchen (rad). It’ll be led by a new executive chef, who’ll add seafood, salads and Sunday roasts to the existing menu.
Drinks are also getting a glow-up. Spicy Margs will stick around, but a consultant is improving the cocktail selection and adding more “approachable, well-priced” beers, wines and non-alcoholic drinks to the list.
The revamped venue will open in spring 2026, with room for 450 punters. And it’ll even have something news for kids, with a surfboard balance beam and other play equipment joining the existing boat.
“We want to be that everyday local. It’s not just about drinking alcohol. You can have a good meal, play games, and spend time with friends. I think that’s key to modern-day hospitality,” says owner Matt Nikakis, who also runs the Racecourse in Malvern East and the Rosstown Hotel in Carnegie.
Trinity will close for renovations on April 19 and reopen in spring 2026.
trinitystkilda.com
Dining and Cooking