Lush 2.0 Reimagines a Heritage Pub in South Melbourne
n the heart of South Melbourne, where the buzz of the market fades into quieter streets, a historic pub has been reborn with remarkable flair. The Wayside Inn, dating back to 1868, now houses Lush 2.0 - a vibrant, jungle-inspired venue that marries the casual charm of a neighbourhood local with the polish of something far more ambitious. Stepping inside feels like entering a colourful oasis: lush greenery spills across walls, pool tables hum with friendly competition, and two bustling bars pour perfectly chilled Kirin pints alongside cocktails that demand attention.
The real revelation, however, lies on the plate. This is not pub grub elevated for the sake of trend; it’s generous, thoughtful cooking that respects tradition while delivering bold, satisfying flavours. The chicken parma stands out as one of the finest in the city. Made entirely in-house, it begins with a proper butterflied chicken breast - tender, juicy, and free of any processed shortcuts. Layered with ham, a bright Napoli sauce, and a blanket of molten quattro cheeses, it arrives golden and bubbling, accompanied by crisp chips and a fresh salad. The portion is substantial without being overwhelming, and every bite delivers that perfect balance of crisp coating and succulent meat.
Equally impressive are the baby back ribs, char-grilled until the meat slides effortlessly from the bone. The Jack Daniel’s glaze is a standout—sweet, smoky, and deeply caramelised - adding a glossy sheen and lingering warmth. They’re so popular that the kitchen sells out every Monday, and it’s easy to understand why. For something lighter yet no less flavourful, the salt-and-pepper calamari arrives in thick, tender rings, lightly dusted and fried to a delicate crunch, served with a zesty citrus dressing that cuts through beautifully. The buffalo wings follow a similar crowd-pleasing path: crisp-fried, tossed in a tangy sauce with real heat, and partnered with a cooling blue cheese dip.
Steaks and slower-cooked dishes reveal the kitchen’s deeper range. The 200-gram eye fillet is cooked with precision - seared to a perfect medium-rare, rested properly, and meltingly tender - served atop a creamy mushroom risotto with asparagus, beans, and a rich red wine jus. The slow-cooked duck confit is another triumph: the leg emerges with shatteringly crisp skin and meat that falls apart at the touch of a fork, surrounded by chat potatoes, Dutch carrots, and broccolini, all glossed with the same elegant jus.
Behind this confident menu is a chef with genuine five-star experience, and it shows in the consistency and generosity of every dish. Portions are hearty, flavours are assertive yet balanced, and the classics - parma, ribs, wings - are executed with rare authenticity. Cocktails add theatre without sacrificing taste: the Headhunter, with its dramatic flaming cinnamon, is strong and spicy, demanding a good stir to reveal layered fruit and smoke. A cold Kirin proves the ideal partner, cutting through richer plates with clean, crisp refreshment.
The venue itself is versatile in the best way. Families and pets are welcome in the leafy beer garden, where a wood-fired pizza oven promises future delights. Upstairs, a private function space opens onto a balcony with sweeping city views - perfect for long lunches or evening drinks. Street-side tables catch the passing energy of City Road, while inside, the atmosphere shifts effortlessly from lively weekend sessions to relaxed midweek catch-ups.
Lush 2.0 achieves something increasingly rare: it feels both effortlessly fun and genuinely accomplished. Owner Arjun Reddy, whose background spans luxury hotels across Asia and beyond, has clearly poured that expertise into every detail, from warm hospitality to a menu that never compromises on quality. This is a pub that understands its heritage yet refuses to be bound by it - delivering deluxe comfort food in a setting that’s equal parts playful and polished. South Melbourne has gained a venue that’s already indispensable, and one visit is unlikely to be enough.