A much-loved corner of Smith Street is set to welcome back live music, with the former Gasometer Hotel reopening as Smith St Hotel after being saved from the prospect of apartment redevelopment.
The new neighbourhood pub and live music venue at 484 Smith Street has been spearheaded by acclaimed Melbourne chef and restaurateur Scott Pickett, who stepped in with a vision to preserve one of Melbourne’s most respected band rooms rather than see it disappear.
While best known for restaurants including Smith St Bistrot, Estelle, Longrain and Chancery Lane, Pickett says this project is about protecting live music and creating a true local pub.
“The question we’ve probably been asked most is whether Smith St Hotel will become a gastro pub,” says Pickett.
“Are we a gastro pub? Fuck no. We’re a live music venue, with great food and drinks.”
The reopening comes as Melbourne continues to lose entertainment venues to redevelopment. Smith St Hotel aims to build on the legacy of The Gasometer Hotel, retaining the site’s reputation as an important home for live music while creating a welcoming neighbourhood pub for locals, artists and visitors alike.
Live programming will be curated by independent music company Yours and Owls, with a focus on both established touring acts and emerging local talent.
“We are really excited to be working with Smith Street Hotel because of its rich history and its deep ties to the Melbourne live music community from its time as The Gasometer Hotel, as well as the significant potential it holds for the future,” says Ben Tillman.
“It’s a strong team with a clear vision, and we are looking forward to helping rebuild the community around the venue and contributing to what we believe will become one of Melbourne’s premier live music spaces for a room of this size.”
PBS General Manager Kristen Paterson welcomed the reopening, saying, “Spaces like Smith St Hotel are essential to how audiences discover artists and how scenes stay connected.”
Music Victoria CEO Fiona Duncan added, “When a live music venue is kept alive, the whole ecosystem benefits.”
Alongside the music, visitors can expect nostalgic pub favourites including steak nights, Sunday roasts, Nashville hot chicken tenders and the popular Picko Roll, complemented by a straightforward selection of beers, wines and spirits. Opening details and the first live music program will be announced soon. For more information visit smithsthotel.com.au
