The Corner Hotel

Overview

Development of inner city suburbs means that the classic Aussie pub — much like the endangered corner store or a Paddle Pop in the sun — is at risk of disappearing. Like many Melbourne pubs, The Corner Hotel underwent a refurb a few years back — but, unlike some, it emerged all the better for it.

The respectful renovation and careful design of the rooftop bar left local fans happy and no doubt introduced a new generation of pub-goers to one of the city's best live music venues. Overlooking the Richmond Station train lines, The Corner's indoor-outdoor rooftop bar has an air-conditioned area for hot days, a large smoking area and an even bigger heated non-smoker deck for any weather.

It also boasts a private bar and function space and the rooftop is also completely wheelchair accessible, a rarity in Melbourne. With all this new space to play with, it's worth getting a pint of one of the many craft beers on tap and taking a moment to explore.

To match the space, The Corner Hotel has created a fresh menu of premium pub food with a new focus on shared dishes. This sees pub classics rub shoulders with modern dishes — for example, a parma with chips and salad sits alongside pan-fried barramundi with pearl cous cous, eggplant kasundi and fried curry leaves. Our pick is the pumpkin and sage risotto with toasted walnuts, blue cheese and fried sage leaves — we were thinking about it days after the fact.

Alternatively, there's a high chance you'll find yourself here looking for a pre-gig snack. If that's the case, the old-school five-spice fried chicken ribs with pickled cucumber and yuzu glaze or the sweetcorn arancini should do the trick. There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options on the menu, too.

As well as great food and drinks, the Corner Hotel in Richmond has made a name for itself by hosting gigs since the 1940s. Artists who've appeared there include the likes of the Violent Femmes, The White Stripes, Public Enemy, Joan Jett, Joe Strummer, Crowded House and the Deftones. Even Mick Jagger and Pink Floyd have graced the stage, as well as a surprise gig by Billy Joel. They still put on great acts to this day, with plenty of big local names taking the mic.