Bendigo Hotel

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Bendigo Hotel

Collingwood, VIC

Words by Kaya Martin

Let’s make one thing clear. You’re not going to get a parma at the Bendi.

Live music: takes place in not one but three beautiful bandrooms at the Bendigo Hotel. How spoiled are they?

Famous for: the over a century old, castlesque building. It literally has turrets – seriously mediaeval vibes. It’ll have you feeling like a little bard downing pints of ale. 

Infamous for: being a longstanding hot spot for the goths, the emos, the punks, the metalheads and the like. It’s a great place to mix and mingle with like minded music enjoyers. 

You’ll maybe get a packet of chips if you’re lucky. Its focus is purely on the music, and, of course, the vibes. And the drinks, which are essential to keeping the vibes right. It’s a delicate balance. 

Located in the core of Collingwood, the sprawling, heritage-listed venue features three intimate chill-out areas, a front bar with a not-too-shappy pool table, a private function room and a bustling covered beer garden decked out with TVs for screening all the big games.

 The Bendi kind of feels like your cool older mate from highschool’s first share house – it’s the type  of place where rules are off the table and anything can happen. It’s all too easy to spend the whole day milling around, sinking ice cold pints and chatting up the friendly regulars and bar staff. Even though the venue caters to a more alternative crowd, the team is so lovely and welcoming that just about anyone could have a good time there. 

Whether you’re on the stage or in the crowd, the Bendi bandrooms are an absolute highlight. Deliciously loud, packed in tight and just the right level of stickiness, they’re a top choice for local legends and touring bands alike. There’s usually someone playing, so if you’re keen to discover some new heavy music, it’s worth swinging by and taking a peek. 

Also, word on the street is it’s now doing a free sausage sizzle with stand up comedy on Sunday arvos. Better than Bunnings if you ask me.

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