Coming Soon: Smith St Hotel Has Big Shoes to Fill — But It's Keeping The Gaso's Live Music Spirit Alive, Just with Upgraded Food
Collingwood's much-loved live music corner is getting a second act, with Scott Pickett's latest venue preserving its predecessor's gig-going legacy.
When a live music venue that's as cherished as the Gasometer Hotel closes its doors, it's understandable that punters fear the worst for what comes next. Yet the rebirth of this familiar corner in Collingwood — home to countless gigs before its closure in early 2025 — is working hard to put these apprehensions to rest. Relaunching under the leadership of Melbourne chef and restaurateur Scott Pickett, the Smith St Hotel will swing open the doors later this month — and the bandroom isn't going anywhere.
Music to the ears of local gig lovers, the intention behind the new venue is not to reinvent what made 'The Gaso' special. Instead, Pickett aims to continue the tradition that made this rowdy late-night spot such a stalwart of the Melbourne music scene. "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."
Image: Kristoffer Paulsen
With this in mind, Pickett has recruited expert help in the programming department, with veteran live music company Yours & Owls handed the keys to the bandroom. Spotlighting domestic and international touring artists, Smith St Hotel will also emphasise emerging talent. And to signal this commitment, the venue kicks things off with the Smith St Hotel Weekender, as part of Leaps and Bounds Festival, featuring the likes of Mouseatouille, Snowy Band and DJ Jnett, plus many more, across back-to-back-to-back days.
"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," says Yours & Owls co-founder Ben Tillman.
Image: Kristoffer Paulsen
Pickett is behind a host of leading restaurants — think Smith St Bistrot, Estelle, Longrain and Chancery Lane. However, the offering at Smith St Hotel will be a little more grounded. Built around nostalgic pub favourites, expect familiar food and generous portions. The menu will also be stacked with snacks, including cabana with cheddar and pickles, salt-and-vinegar potato cakes with tarama, South Melbourne dim sims with crispy chilli oil, and shoelace fries with homemade chicken salt.
The drinks offering follows the same philosophy with a solid, reliable selection of beers, wines and spirits that aren't trying to be something they're not. Meanwhile, weeknights will feature rotating specials, including steak night, pie night, parma night, burger night, Longrain curry nights and traditional Sunday roasts with all the trimmings. And in time for winter, the venue's restored fireplace will roar into action, bringing warmth and atmosphere back into the heart of the pub.
"Spaces like Smith St Hotel are essential to how audiences discover artists and how scenes stay connected," says PBS General Manager Kristen Paterson. "As a Collingwood-based broadcaster, it is especially exciting to see a live music room reopening in our own neighbourhood, with community at its core."
Image: Alex Squadrito.
Image: Ilsa Harun
Image: Ilsa Harun
Image: Kristoffer Paulsen
Image: Kristoffer Paulsen
Image: Kristoffer Paulsen
Image: Kristoffer Paulsen
Smith St Hotel is expected to open at 484 Smith Street, Collingwood on Friday, July 24. Head to the website for more information.
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Top image: Alex Squadrito.
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