Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall to reopen in February under new management

The well-known Caxton Street music venue that suddenly closed last November will reopen next month under the management of a team behind some of SEQ’s well known pubs and clubs. Here’s what they have planned for the Brisbane heritage venue.

LEFTY’S Old Time Music Hall will stay true to its original roots when it reopens later next month and the new owners have already confirmed a renowned New Orleans’ musician will take the stage this year.

Hallmark Group Holdings, the team behind Finn McCool’s pubs, Retro’s Cocktail Lounges and Jamie Oliver-branded restaurants in Australia, has taken over the historic Caxton St venue which closed suddenly last November.

After being closed for a few months, Lefty's Old Time Music Hall is set to reopen next month after the Hallmark Group took over the lease. Picture: Darren Cartwright

The group’s General Manager Cade Hopman said the venue will trade late three nights a week (Thursday-Saturday) and in essence it would retain all of its former glory in the way of live rockabilly, country music.

“It’s important to us to maintain the iconic and authentic experiences intrinsically linked to the Lefty’s brand – the live entertainment, the Americana eats and the Whisky Apples heavily ruling the bar – that’s what will reignite the nightlife on the iconic Brisbane strip we knew so well,” Mr Hopman said.

“Lefty’s will bring back the people that love to sit back, take in the atmosphere and dance until the early hours of the morning.”

Hallmark Group Holdings General Manager Cade Hopman says Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall will be retained as rockabilly, country music venue. Pic Darren England.

Caxton Street Development Association president Sarosh Mehta welcomed the news that Lefty’s was reopening.

He said the street was the poorer when it closed and it was likely they once Lefty’s is reactivated it would help neighbouring pubs Enzos & Sons and Ruby Tramp also find new owners.

Ruby Tramp and Enzos both closed late last year as well.

The precinct has already started to undergo a change after the legendary Harry’s Diner was replaced by Taj which also opens late but has more contemporary and modern feel, he said.

“It’s exactly what the street needs to help reinvigorate the precinct,” Mr Mehta said.

“They are good operators and I think it will be a major success.”

Caxton Street Development Association president Sarosh Mehtarosh Mehta says the reopening of Lefty’s will help other venues find new owners and bring the street back to its former glory. Pic Mark Cranitch.

Mr Hopman said US musician Eugene Hideaway Bridges would return to Australia to perform songs from is latest CD, ‘Live in Tallahassee’.

Also on the bill on opening night are The Detonators, a popular quartet with original roots in rock-‘n’-roll, duo Mick Thomas and Dana Gehrman, and Australia’s premier blues artist, Ray Beadle.

Eugene ‘Hideaway’ Bridges, performing at Blues on Broadbeach, will return to Australia to headline the reopening of Lefty’s in late February. Picture: Jerad Williams

The Hallmark Group’ marketing manager Tammy Wood said reviving the iconic Brisbane venue in its original format was a “no-brainer” opportunity.

“Everyone has a story at Lefty’s; it has so much history within its walls and we wanted to be a part of preserving that, we look forward to bringing Lefty’s back to life,” Ms Wood said.

“We’re excited to re-create and re-energise what everyone loved about Lefty’s and more.”

Mr Hopman said popular US musician Eugene Hideaway Bridges would return to Australia to perform songs from is latest CD, ‘Live in Tallahassee’ although a date had yet to be confirmed.