Famous Melbourne Restaurant Reopens As Live Music Venue

A historic Melbourne building has been revamped into a brand new live music venue which will host a massive launch party this weekend. 

Previously home to the famous Hunchbax theatre restaurant and most recently known as the Eureka Hotel, the Richmond venue has this week reopened as The Leadbeater Hotel.

Following a soft open last Friday, the Church Street space, reopened by the company behind Hawthorn's Nevermind Bar and Luton Lane Winer Bar, will officially launch on Saturday with scheduled performances from acts like Jess Locke, murmurmur and Huntly.

"We’ve long included live music in our past bars, which were certainly not equipped to do so, but we made do with what we had," owner and director Joe Downey told The Music today.

"When we came across this gem and saw the potential in the huge under-utilised performance space, it was an opportunity we couldn’t let pass. We are all music fans and love seeing artists do their thing and punters enjoy the fruits of their creativity.”

"With the band room, we want to hit the nail on the head first thing. We’ve extended the stage forward to make the room more intimate and give the artist more space on stages, as well as a killer front of house PA, stage monitors and lighting rig."

As well as the impressive changes to the 350 person-capacity bandroom, the Leadbeater has also introduced new food, beer and wine lists, an extended beer garden and DJ's and entertainment in the public bar. 

Originally built in 1853, the hotel has held a number of live music and comedy shows throughout the years, however it's clear live music will be a key focus for The Leadbeater.

Head of Booking and Events, Will Clancy (of Melbourne outfit .DIET) told The Music their priority will be to help the artists out "in any way possible".

“When booking the band room, I’m looking to put some of Australia’s best up and coming bands on our stage and give them an opportunity to showcase their music to our area," Clancy said.

"I love Australian music and it’s an honour to be able to offer a brand new space to the countries musical talent. Working with a team that’s completely dedicated to giving our patrons, punters, artists and musicians an all round amazing experience when they walk in the door to The Leadbeater, is extremely humbling and I’m super excited for what’s to come in the future!"

For more details on this weekend's launch party, click here.