Originally, at 28 Cecil Street, Edward Broderick first licensed the
Southern Cross Hotel in 1870.He built
the hotel in the same year, described as a brick bar with eleven rooms, on the
site he had purchased in 1869. Broderick held the license until Davis Stroud
took over in 1874
During the inter-war period, the hotel was known
briefly as Regan’s, while its licensee was Henry James Regan, formerly of the
Union Hotel in
Moray Street. A two-storeyed Italianate hotel, it is
architecturally notable for its rich decorative elements. The hotel is
physically close to its original state, although the original hawthorn brick
has been painted over.Similarly, its
social character has remained largely unchanged.Once popular amongst painters and dockers,
the Southern Cross has retained its reputation as a traditional drinkers’ pub
for the locals.The prices for drinks
have been maintained at the lowest level in South Melbourne.A favourite
hotel of the late South
Melbourne
footballer Bob Pratt, a record-holding goalkeeper, the pub has hosted many
well-known sportsmen.The current
management anticipates an increase in patronage, with definite pride in
maintaining the traditions of the local pub. This is also reflected in the
intention to carry out some interior renovations, without affecting the
structure of the original building.
