If you were the type of old club head in the '90s to trawl the pubs and clubs on Brunswick Street for pints, chats and boogie opportunities, we have some very good news. Well, it's not really new news given that it happened over a month ago now, but we had to head in and have a look-see for ourselves first to make sure the nostalgic venue had really reopened.
Yes, we can confirm: the Punters Club is back. A beloved live music venue from the time before anyone had a mobile phone, and before it was Bimbo (and then Kewpie), the Punters Club has come back to the future with a fresh lick of paint, live music program and an inspired menu of nostalgia-inducing pub grub.
For the latter, think a salt and vinegar chip packet full of tuna tartare (trust us, it's better than it sounds), South Melbourne Market dim sims with chilli oil, and old-school banana split for dessert. If that all sounds too fancy, you can also order a 'roo schnitty, fried chicken or a damn tasty cheeseburger.
While it might not be exactly like the good ol' days, trust that the new owners are a formidable team: Jase Cameron of Near and Far Bar, Matt Francis from Garage Project and Marquis of Lorne, head chef Dylan Marshall (formerly of the Scenic and Marquis of Lorne), musician Mark Wilson, creative agency specialist Britt King, and Nathan Farrell and Adam “Weez” Booth from music management dynamo CLBR. They've described the renovation as a "labour of love," having meticulously sourced artwork, vintage lighting, and memorabilia to craft a space that embodies the essence of Fitzroy.
Here's a place where you can catch a live band or have a long, boozy dinner, but you can also have a game on the dart boards, get a photo opp in front of the old-school jukebox or simply sink a few pints in the Love Shack Pool Room.
Along with locally driven food, beer and a wine list that includes by-the-glass and half-litre carafe options, the venue is also offering its own Punters Draught alongside a rotating selection of local favorites like Guinness and XXXX Gold.
But if you're a muso, you'll be most excited about the pub's unexpectedly impressive program of free live shows. We're talking acts like Milo Eastwood, Black Jesus Experience and more. Check out what's on at the website.
Been waiting for something to reignite Fitzroy's live music scene? This is it and she's looking good.