Espy owners turn old pub into new food & music venue
Back in May, Tone Deaf was sad to report on the closure of beloved St Kilda venue The Espy. After 15 years as a staple of Melbourne nightlife, the owners announced the launch of exciting new renovations.
Changes included upgrades to the venue’s iconic Gershwin Room, as well as the introduction of new food and beverage spaces. Of course, this meant that The Espy would have to remain closed as renovations are completed.
But this September, those that are still hungering for a taste of that Espy magic will be able to check out 127 Brunswick Street, a new five-level dining and music destination from the minds behind The Espy.
As Good Food reports, the latest venture from brothers-in-law Vince Sofo and Paul Adamo, who own the Espy, Ichi Ni, and Ichi Ku, is just weeks away from being unveiled in Melbourne’s famous Brunswick Street district.
Over the past three years, a team has been working diligently behind the high-walled Victorian facade of the Old Colonial Inn, hand-crafting furniture, hand-painting ceilings, and personalising every nook and cranny.
“That’s the way we like to do things,” says Sofo at 127 Brunswick Street (as the venue will become known). “After the architects and builders have done their part, then we come and design the space organically.”
The brothers-in-law collaborated with artist and DJ Christo Gillard on the multi-level space, adding Asian-themed light shades, latticework and paste-ups, and recycled parts to give the space its own unique charm.
“Each area has a distinct personality, and will run independently; we hope that everybody can find a space they like,” says Sofo. The venue will reportedly be open to host events and functions.
The glassed-in Upside Rooftop Bar will feature a DJ booth and outdoor seating, while next level down The Village People Hawker Food Hall will feature an open kitchen headed by Arte Assavakavinvong (ex-Longrain).
The Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya Restaurant, meanwhile, will run over two levels. Razmy Gaffer, a chef with 17 years’ experience cooking in Japan, will run the kitchen, which will be open from breakfast until late.
Ichi Ni Nana will even feature a separate sushi-making station manned by three sushi chefs and a sound-proofed garden courtyard. At street level, Ichi Ni Nana Street Stall and Coffee Window will serve grab-and-go food and coffee.
Source: Tone Deaf, Greg Moskovitch, 20th August 2015
Originally published as: Espy owners turn old pub into new food & music venue
