Welcome to your new local serving up French-inspired cuisine
Our hospitality division, Hamo Hospitality, officially opened the doors to its new venue, The Retreat Restaurant & Bar over the weekend. This is the fourth venue in Hamo Hospitality’s portfolio, joining Woolstore Restaurant & Bar, 1915 Restaurant, and Paddock Bakery Geelong.
Located in the former Bareena Post Office on Retreat Road, Newtown, the space has been reimagined and restored into something special for the community. With just 50 seats, The Retreat offers an intimate dining experience. The menu, crafted by award-winning Chef Eli Grubb, draws inspiration from classic French cuisine. Guests can choose from a thoughtfully curated à la carte selection available Thursday to Saturday, indulge in the chef’s Menu Du Jour, or wind down in the afternoon with cheese and wine hour, available Thursday to Sunday from 3–5pm.
The wine list showcases both Australian and international selections, including local wines from by Farr and Bannockburn.
Contemporary touch on heritage space
This is another Hamilton Group project with the interior and build completed by us and our partners. From the outset, the vision was to create a space where friends and family could come together over great food—somewhere that feels just like home, minus the clean-up.
When you step inside The Retreat, you’ll notice a thoughtful departure from our signature industrial style. With the design and architecture completed by Hamilton Clark, the space embraces a warm red colour palette inspired by heritage brickwork—creating a welcoming, contemporary atmosphere that suits its more suburban setting.
One of the highlights is the beautiful herringbone floorboards, made from tallowwood salvaged from the original wool store at our 400 Pakington precinct — a true labour of love.
Pavilion Joinery crafted the custom bench seating and the beautiful eye-catching terrazzo bar. Outside, Hamilton Green has transformed the outdoor courtyard, which we can’t wait see come to life over the seasons. And of course, it was all built by our skilled Hamilton Group trades.
Book your table today!
Created with intention, The Retreat is a place for long lunches, slow afternoons, and the everyday celebrations that bring our community together. Welcome to your new local.
The Retreat is now open 7 days a week, with reservations available at theretreat.au.
Opening Hours:
- Lunch service only: Monday to Wednesday from 12–4pm
- Lunch & Dinner: Thursday to Sunday from 12–10pm
- Cheese & wine: Thursday to Sunday from 3–5pm
