The Tote Hotel

The Tote Hotel at 67-71 Johnston Street, Collingwood, is a pub with a long record of independent live music. The building dates from around 1870, when Daniel Healey is thought to have built it as Healey's; it was the Ivanhoe Hotel by 1876 and stayed with the Healey family until 1940. In 1980 it reopened as Le Tote, soon shortened to The Tote, and became known for new and independent music.

The Tote's place in Melbourne culture was confirmed in 2010. In January that year the owner closed the venue, citing the cost of high-risk liquor licensing conditions such as compulsory CCTV and security. More than 2,000 people rallied outside on 17 January, and a rally of at least 10,000 followed in the city on 23 February, the same day changes to liquor licensing were announced. The government eased its approach in April, a new operator signed a lease and the pub reopened on 10 June 2010.

The future of the venue was secured again in 2023. After it was put up for sale, a crowdfunding campaign reached its target of three million dollars, and in September 2023 the pub was sold to Shane Hilton and Leanne Chance, who placed it in a trust, the Last Chance Music Foundation, to keep it operating as a live music venue.

Music runs across three spaces: the main stage, the Cobra Bar and the front bar. The list of bands who have played here includes The Meanies, Spiderbait, Cosmic Psychos, The Drones, Magic Dirt, Jet, Tame Impala, Silverchair and Hoodoo Gurus, and international acts such as The White Stripes, Ty Segall and Mudhoney. The current programme is listed in the gig guide on the official website.

Opening hours, according to the venue, are from 4pm until late from Tuesday to Thursday, from noon until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays, and from noon until late on Sundays; Monday hours are not listed. The Tote suits music fans, students and anyone wanting a no-frills night of guitar bands rather than a polished cocktail bar. It also sells merchandise through its online shop.

For general venue enquiries, including functions and lost property, email [email protected] or call 0482 678 344. Bands looking for gigs should email [email protected]. Collingwood is also home to Proud Mary on Oxford Street, so a daytime coffee and an evening gig make an easy pairing.