Bendigo Hotel Collingwood

Overview

For 14 years, The Bendigo Hotel (affectionately known as The Bendi) was one of Melbourne's top spots for live metal, rock and punk music gigs, but it was forced to shut in March 2024.

Fortunately, it wasn't gone for long, as The Mill Brewery crew decided to take over the pub, promising to bring live music gigs back to the famed Johnston Street spot. And they've done just that. 

The site reopened in September 2024, and it immediately had a stacked lineup of gigs scheduled for the year. Punk, metal and rock bands still dominate the stage, so loyal fans of the former Bendi need not worry about the new owners changing too much here.  

But, of course, The Mill Brewery team made some improvements when it took over the pub. First off, you'll now find a great new sound system — a QSC L-Class Line Array PA with some serious subs on either side. TAG and Pink Noise were brought on to make sure everything was tailor-made for the venue.

Local booking agent Kit Atkinson (Social State Entertainment) has been brought on to lead the live music revival, bringing their extensive experience with artists and venues both locally and internationally.

You'll also find a lightly refurbed front bar, lounge with a fireplace, pool table, 'Altered Beast' arcade machine (a relic making the trip down from The Mill Brewery's former venue), dining room that transforms into a bandroom by night and a sun-drenched beer garden — which is dog-friendly.

Food has also been upgraded, with Dingo Ate My Taco taking over the kitchen — serving up casual Tex-Mex eats.

The Mill Brewery beer taps were understandably the prime focus in the newly outfitted front bar,  lined with dark timber panelling and accented with deep tones of burgundy and black. You'll find a Mill Brewery beer focus here — not surprising — plus all your usual pub drink offerings. 

By the looks of it, The Bendigo Hotel hasn't lost any of its charm. The Mill Brewery team isn't trying to make it all glam and polished. A local live music pub, The Bendi remains — thank the restoration gods.