St Kilda's Saint Hotel becomes St. Hotel

Chef Sean Judd, whose CV includes Chin Chin and Claremont Tonic, will take charge of the stove at the St. Hotel, due to open in early October.

Behind its heritage-listed facade, St Kilda's former Saint Hotel has undergone a significant refurbishment under a team that includes Paul Nguyen and Simon Blanchard, co-owners of Prahran Vietnamese diners Hanoi Hannah and Saigon Sally.

Blanchard contacted Judd more than 12 months ago, asking him to front the kitchen.

''It's a complete rebuild, so has taken a while to complete,'' says Judd, whose menu will centre around Thai food. Judd also plans to include ''classic pub dishes like burgers and a good steak''.

There are plans for the hotel, at 54 Fitzroy Street, to also house a supper club and social club.