Once upon a time, Footscray was one of those suburbs you always thought was much further away than it actually is. Made famous – or infamous, we can’t figure it out – by Franco Cozzo, Foot-a-scray has more recently been touted by smooth-talking real estate agents as one of Melbourne’s up-and-coming suburbs and the place is freaking buzzing. But we already knew how great it is because this place has been pumping for ages.
Owners of the defunct albeit legendary punk venue The Arthouse have reinvented this classic pub as the gargantuan beast that is The Reverence, named supposedly to represent the respect they have for their patrons. Located on the river’s edge of Footscray, this gritty yet affable – not to mention huge – pub and live music venue is home to some of the city’s most explosive gigs, but also a sprawling beer garden for when you just want to kick back in the sun and down a brew or two. The front bar still bleeds old-school Footscray with pool tables, foosball and a large painting of Jack the loveable and docile resident Lab x Great Dane, who does the rounds for pats and scraps.
Celebrating their second birthday in July this year, Revs, as it’s affectionately known, has been building on its reputation as having something for everyone, with their kitchen specialising in Mexican bites, including drool-worthy chocolate empanadas, and a solid list of pizzas, all at bloody good prices. Themed trivia nights run weekly on Wednesdays and $3 Taco and Rio Bravo cans on Tuesday every week from 6pm until 9pm means you have absolutely no excuse for not making the journey. Get yo’ punk ass Westside!
THE REVERENCE 28 Napier St, Footscray is open 3pm to 1am Tuesday to Thursday; midday to 1am Friday to Saturday; midday to 11pm Sunday. Closed Mondays.
