“As much as you’ve bought The Espy, you’ll never really own it.” – It’s a line that’s been passed down through generations — and it still holds true today.
For over 140 years, The Espy has been at the heart of St Kilda. A place for live music, late nights and seaside stories, where pre-gig beers turn into unforgettable nights in the Gershwin Room, and every visit adds to its legacy. As one of Melbourne’s most iconic historic pubs and live music venues, The Espy has played host to musicians, artists, locals and travellers alike — each leaving their mark on its walls..
Originally opened in 1878, Hotel Esplanade quickly became one of the most luxurious hotels in Melbourne. Over the decades, it welcomed notable guests including Mark Twain and philanthropist Alfred Felton, while hosting grand events and seaside gatherings.
The venue evolved with the times — adding a ballroom (now the Gershwin Room), surviving world wars and shifting cultural eras, before becoming a defining force in Melbourne’s live music scene.
By the 1970s, The Espy had cemented its place as a home for live music in St Kilda, embracing punk, rock and the next wave of Australian artists.
Despite decades of redevelopment threats, the venue stood strong — protected by the local community who recognised its cultural significance.
After closing in 2015 for a major restoration, The Espy reopened in 2018, re-established as a multi-level hospitality venue while staying true to its roots as a pub, a meeting place and one of Melbourne’s most loved live music institutions.
