Melbourne Pub & Band Room To Be Turned Into Accommodation

Melbourne hotel The Barley Corn is set to be turned into accommodation after the owners decided it a more sustainable financial option.

The historic Collingwood venue, which has a 140-year history, has a 350 capacity band room but is currently closed.

Co-owner Jesse Pascoe, who was largely the face of the establishment, has confirmed to theMusic.com.au that they have opted to turn the venue into accommodation moving forward, and will focus on other projects.

It is understood that plans to give the venue a facelift, including placing an awning and further seating on the venue's road-facing front, were met with opposition, as were plans to paint the hotel.

The venue also struggled to maintain a constant stream of patrons outside of individual shows given its history irregular opening periods.

As well as running a number of club nights, the venue played host to local and emerging acts Echo Drama, Go Van Go, Die Rude, The Numremberg Code and others towards the end of 2013.

The decision of the Barley Corn's owners is the latest in a string of venue changes around the country as publicans re-evaluate their offerings for 2013.

In Melbourne alone, Shebeen – formerly Manchester Lane – is returning to live music with booking company Corner Presents, who are also now managing the music offering for 170 Russell – formerly Billboard The Venue.

The Great Britain Hotel's live music future is under a cloud after the lease for the existing publicans was not renewed, while Playground Bar – formerly Cape Lounge – hopes to revitalise music on one of Fitzroy's prime corners. Late last year the Empress Hotel closed suddenly.

Much of the live music stability in the city is being placed at the feet of the State Government, who have pledged to introduce reforms and the agent of change principle, but are yet to have formalised strategies.