Hotel Esplanade, known as The Espy, is a historic pub and live music venue on the St Kilda waterfront in Melbourne. Its many levels combine bars, performance spaces and places to eat, with views across the bay from the terrace and windows facing the water. Come for a gig, a drink at the upstairs Ghost of Alfred Felton cocktail bar, or Cantonese dishes at Mya Tiger. The main bar serves pub-style food, while Louey’s brings Italian-American cooking to the mix.
A St Kilda venue with a long music history
The Esplanade Hotel dates to 1878 and is known locally as The Espy. It has served as a pub and music venue through different eras of St Kilda life. The building’s historic character remains part of the experience, even as its rooms have been renovated and opened up for different uses.
A major redevelopment reopened the venue in 2018. The Gershwin Room was left intact, with its sound and lighting upgraded, and the renovation added more public spaces. The result is a large, multi-level venue where a meal, a drink and a performance can take place in different parts of the same building.
Live music, comedy and late sets
The Gershwin Room is one of the Espy’s best-known performance spaces, with established Australian artists, touring acts and themed music nights on its program. The Basement is another stage, associated with local bands and events such as comedy, blues and open-mic nights. A ground-floor stage adds another option for live performances.
The venue’s music program changes, so check the current schedule before planning around a particular act. On Friday and Saturday, the bars stay open later than on other nights, and the main bar can become a party spot with DJs. If you prefer a calmer visit, choose an off-peak time rather than a busy weekend evening.
Different bars and kitchens under one roof
Each area has its own feel, so you can choose a casual drink in the main bar, sit outside on the terrace or seek out a cocktail upstairs at the Ghost of Alfred Felton. The venue also has Louey’s, an Italian-American bar and kitchen, and Mya Tiger, which serves Cantonese cuisine. The main bar has familiar pub dishes such as fish and chips, steak and pizza.
Mya Tiger is a separate choice for a meal, with its own menu and bay views. One menu feature described there is a Lucky Hour from 5 to 6pm, with fresh Tasmanian oysters and cocktails; check the restaurant’s current details before making plans, as menus and promotions can change. For a drink with the sunset, the terrace and waterfront-facing areas make the most of the Espy’s St Kilda location.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is Hotel Esplanade, The Espy?
It is at 11 The Esplanade in St Kilda, Melbourne, on the waterfront.
Does The Espy have live music?
Yes. Performances take place in spaces including the Gershwin Room, the Basement and a ground-floor stage. Check the venue’s current program for dates and acts.
What food can you get at The Espy?
The main bar serves pub-style food, Louey’s serves Italian-American dishes, and Mya Tiger specialises in Cantonese cuisine.
Can you see the bay from The Espy?
Yes. The terrace and waterfront-facing areas have views across Port Phillip Bay.
