Bar
Rooftop Bar
Open-air bar on the roof of Curtin House on Swanston Street, open from noon to 1am most days of the year, with burgers, cocktails and walk-ins…
Corner Hotel
Richmond pub and live music venue on Swan Street, presenting bands since the jazz era, with a band room, rooftop bar and kitchen open Tuesday to Sunday.
At a glance
- Type
- Live music pub and rooftop bar
- Area
- Richmond, Melbourne, Australia
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- cornerhotel.com
Good to know
- Band room
- Rooftop bar
- Bar and kitchen
- Lift access
- Accessible toilets
Why we recommend it
The Corner Hotel at 57 Swan Street, Richmond, is a pub with a long history of live music. The premises were first licensed in 1871 to David and Jane McCormick, and the building was rebuilt in 1954 and again in 1966, when it was shifted slightly to make way for railway widening. Live music is thought to have started here in the jazz era of the 1940s, and in 1995 the pub took on its current identity as a rock venue with a rooftop bar.
The band room has hosted a long list of well-known acts. Mick Jagger and David Gilmour both played unannounced shows here in 1988, and performers over the years have included Canned Heat, Jimmy Barnes, The White Stripes, Crowded House, Tame Impala, Lorde and Midnight Oil. U2 filmed the video for Window in the Skies in the band room and rooftop garden in 2006. The venue has won Music Victoria awards in the category for venues with a capacity of more than 500.
Most band room shows are general admission and standing room only, though some events have allocated seating. Tickets are sold through the individual event listings on the venue's Gigs page, presales and announcements go out through the newsletter and social media, and set times are usually published about a week before each show. Popular shows sell out, so buy early if there is an act you want to see.
You do not need a gig ticket to enjoy the Corner. The bar and kitchen are open from noon until late from Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays, and the rooftop bar keeps the same hours and can be reached by lift. Tables can be booked online for groups of up to 15, and larger groups should email the functions team. Wheelchair access is through the Botherambo Street entrance, and there are accessible toilets; the venue asks guests who need support to get in touch before visiting.
Richmond is also home to one of the two nearest railway stations to the Melbourne Cricket Ground, so a gig or a meal at the Corner can be combined with a day at the cricket or the football, as well as being a destination in its own right for music fans.
The Corner suits music lovers, groups of friends and sports fans. For general enquiries call (03) 9427 7300, and for functions email [email protected].
Corner Hotel FAQs
Where is the Corner Hotel?
At 57 Swan Street, Richmond.
When is the Corner Hotel open?
The bar, kitchen and rooftop are open from 12pm until late, Tuesday to Sunday. It is closed on Mondays.
How do I buy gig tickets?
Through the individual event listings on the venue's Gigs page. Set times usually appear about a week before each show.
Are shows seated?
Most band room shows are general admission and standing room only, though some events have allocated seating.
Can I book a table?
Yes, online for up to 15 guests. Larger groups should email [email protected].
Is the venue accessible?
Wheelchair access is via Botherambo Street, the rooftop is reachable by lift, and there are accessible toilets.
Who has played at the Corner?
Acts have included Mick Jagger and David Gilmour (1988), The White Stripes, Crowded House, Tame Impala and Lorde.
How do I contact the Corner?
Call (03) 9427 7300 or email [email protected] for functions.