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Melbourne Venue The Beast Confirms Permanent Closure

Mary Varvaris

Venue operators cited the ongoing financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as the primary reason for the closure.

The Beast logo
The Beast logo(Credit: Supplied)

Melbourne live music venue, bar and kitchen The Beast will soon permanently shutter, according to a post by the venue operators on social media.

Located in the trendy suburb of Brunswick East, The Beast – also referred to as The B.East, which calls back to its postcode – has operated for 18 years. Along with live music and comedy, the venue has a reputation for being a burger destination and has hosted the country’s biggest chilli-eating championship.

In the post announcing its closure, the venue operators cited the ongoing financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as the primary reason for the difficult decision.

Beat Magazine reports that Melbourne hospitality figure Maz Salt owns the venue. Before launching The Beast, Salt had established CBD venues including Section 8 and Ferdydurke.

In 2021, Salt highlighted the toll of COVID-19 on hospitality and entertainment venues across Victoria. The Beast’s Fitzroy sibling has also closed its doors.

“Hey Beasties,

“After 18 years in Brunswick East, our family has made the heartbreaking decision to close the doors,” Salt’s post on social media, shared on Tuesday (17 February), reads.

“To everyone who built it, broke it, played in it, or played with it — thank you. You made this place what it was, and we’ll carry that with us always.”

The post continued by detailing the “long aftershock” of COVID-19 and the lockdowns in Victoria being the primary reason for its closure. Salt ended the post with a sense of humour by telling supporters the venue staff are “exploring the potential demand for a new career in OnlyFans.”

“We fought hard, but the long aftershock of the lockdown years was something we couldn’t outrun. It’s been exhausting — and deeply meaningful,” the post continued.

“The Year of the Fire Horse is about renewal. We’re excited to see what the Brunswick East community will create in this space… and as for us, we’re currently exploring the potential demand for a new career in OnlyFans.

“Stay tuned. With love and gratitude, Beast.”