Breaking: Beloved Brunswick East venue, the Beast, has posted a handwritten "RIP to the Beast - CLOSED" sign on its door. The shocking permanent closure of the iconic venue after 18 years is telling of the financial challenges that are becoming insurmountable for many hospitality businesses in 2026.
An Instagram post by the venue's account cites continued challenges following Covid lockdowns as the cause behind the closure. "We fought hard, but the long aftershock of the lockdown years was something we couldn't outrun. It's been exhausting — and deeply meaningful."
The closure leaves loyal diners, who need their regular fix of the Beast's famous burgers, devastated. The team thanked those who helped build the venue and their customers. "To everyone who built it, broke it, played in it, or played with it — thank you. You made this place what it was, and we'll carry that with us always."
With minimal information about what's next for the team or the venue, the only clue we've been given is a hint at a new career in OnlyFans. Jokes aside, this hints at a pivotal time for the Melbourne hospo industry where, given the cost of living, many venues exist on the precipice each day waiting to see whether they will sink or swim. So what life rafts are going to be thrown to ensure the continued legacy of Melbourne's globally renowned food and drink scene? Time will tell.
Images: Supplied.
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