#355 Michael Conlon | O'Connell's Hotel

#355 Michael Conlon | O'Connell's Hotel

From Conversation with a chef by Jo Rittey

May 5, 2026 · 26 min

About this episode

Michael Conlon discusses the transformation of O'Connell's Hotel and the evolving role of pubs in the community.

When I sat down with Michael Conlon at O’Connell’s in South Melbourne, the paint was still fresh. There’s been a substantial refresh. New carpet, new upholstery, commissioned artworks, and a dining room that feels intentionally set apart. More like a restaurant you arrive at, even though you’ve come through the pub. But the bigger shift is in how he talks about the role of a pub like this: it’s not just somewhere to eat, but somewhere that has to work at different speeds. A quick midweek pint and something more considered on the weekend, all under the same roof. Michael comes from a group that understands pubs from the ground up. He’s worked across venues like Hobson’s Bay Hotel and the Flying Duck, places with their own histories. So, stepping into O’Connell’s isn’t about wiping the slate clean. It’s about reading the room, and the neighbourhood, properly. We talked about growing up on the Gold Coast, baking with his dad, cooking over fire, and the shift from being a good chef to becoming a good leader.

People in this episode

Host: Jo Rittey

Guest: Michael Conlon

Topics covered

  • pub culture
  • restaurant design
  • leadership in hospitality
  • cooking
  • community engagement

Keywords

  • O'Connell's Hotel
  • Michael Conlon
  • pub culture
  • hospitality leadership
  • South Melbourne

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Hobson’s Bay Hotel, Flying Duck

Places: O’Connell’s, South Melbourne, Gold Coast

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