Brunswick pub veterans running new venue The Bergy Seltzer

After water damage forced them to close, the duo behind The Brunswick Hotel have shifted taps just two blocks down Sydney Rd. Here’s what you’ll will find at their new venue, and the story behind its oh-so-hipster name.

David 'Frankie' Cudmore and Richie Kruk have moved down Sydney Rd. Picture: Ellen Smith

The magic of Brunswick’s lost live music haven is being recreated less than 200 metres away.

The team behind The Brunswick Hotel have picked up their gear and moved about two blocks south down Sydney Rd to open The Bergy Seltzer.

Owned by Richie Kruk, David ‘Frankie’ Cudmore and Brodie Breumer, the bar was initially designed as a stopgap venue while work was carried out on the hotel following water damage caused by a burst fire hydrant.

A court yard with a retractable roof will be a summer hit. Picture: Ellen Smith

“We were working to reopen the Brunswick Hotel and it was taking months and months and, when I asked my wife about it, she said to let it go and then this opportunity arose as we were battling to reopen there,” he said.

Mr Cudmore said the name Bergy Seltzer came to Mr Breumer after a night of watching YouTube.

“The name came from Brodie, it is the name for the sound an iceberg makes as it melts, which sounds like a can or bottle opening,” he said.

Live music and comedy nights are regular events at the bar, with a courtyard and an upstairs function space.

The banned topic list behind the bar has quickly become a talking point. Picture: Ellen Smith

A list of banned topics behind the bar came from mind-numbing conversations the team has heard in pubs over the years, with subjects such as the moon landing, Brexit and the JFK assassination black listed, as well as discussions about Mr Breumer’s band or fire hydrants.

But the rule is not strictly enforced.

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“Everyone sees the list as the first thing at the bar and then starts talking about them,” Mr Cudmore said.

The Bergy Seltzer is open at 68 Sydney Rd from 4pm to 1am every night, with $7 pints during happy hour from 4pm to 7pm Monday to Friday.

Booking inquiries can be made by email.