'The Espy' - our favourite St Kilda pub

 

Get on down to The Espy – the home of live music

The Esplanade Hotel has enjoyed 139 years of glamorous, gritty St Kilda history. Behind the whitewashed facade is a classic entertainment hub that has fostered generations of musicians, comedians and other performers – all served with an ice-cold beer.

Home to RocKwiz, the Gershwin Room, smokey rooms, sticky carpet and beers on the deck, the ‘Espy’ has been a fixture for St Kilda locals and visitors over the years. And it’s an easy walk from your room at the Cosmo.

Featuring 12 bars,  two restaurants, and three stages over five levels, The Espy has always been, and always will be, the home of live music in St Kilda. The new configuration also means that patrons will have access to areas that have been closed to the public for almost 60 years, including the entire fifth floor.

Eighteen months in the making, the all-new Espy will open in two stages. The first – opening this Friday – includes the beer garden, public bar, a more expansive main bar, a light-filled garden terrace that overlooks St Kilda pier, and the basement band room.

For food-lovers, the Espy Kitchen will be open too, staffed by a team of 60 chefs. It’s in the old loading bay and will serve pizzas, and charcoal-grilled and rotisserie meats. An exciting addition is Cantonese restaurant and cocktail bar, Mya Tiger, which will open in early December. Executive chef Ash Hicks (ex-Circa, Garden State) will lead both kitchens.

 

Check out their website for music guide to see upcoming Gersh gigs, our weekly free live music in the Basement and more exciting events.

 

Photo credits: Michael Woods