EXCLUSIVE: Revamped Iconic Melbourne Bandroom Unveiled

Last night Boney quietly opened its doors to let the public in to its renovated downstairs bar – now featuring a kitchen, open from midday on week days.

Boney is the new name for the site formerly known as Pony – the notorious late night band venue at the top end of Melbourne's Little Collins Street. The venue is now owned by Camillo and Daniel Ippoliti – the team who also run Revolver Upstairs and The Toff In Town/Cookie.

Upstairs, the bandroom of old has been transformed without losing any of the Pony charm. The new bookers, Luke Pocock and Emily Ulman, also promise to continue the tradition of the 2am slot for bands.

The 265-capacity room has been cleared of bottle-neck potential – the entire room now an open space. The DJ booth has been moved closer into the corner at the top of the front stairs and the mixing desk is now against the wall opposite the bar. The stage has been raised, improving sightlines throughout the room.

And, while some may mourn the loss of the back-wall couch, the Boney bandroom now features a two-tier podium to enable a view of the stage for us shortarses who might get stuck down the back.

Best news of all - the 'water feature' has been removed from the bathroom – that is, no more sloshing through overflow.

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