The Reverence Hotel in Footscray to shut down
The owners of a landmark Footscray pub with a cult following say they will be forced to close its doors, leaving westsiders devastated.
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The owners of a landmark Footscray pub with a cult following say they will be forced to close its doors, leaving westsiders devastated.
Pub owners Matt and Melanie Bodiam, who have run the venue for more than six years, revealed in a statement the venue would call last drinks on Saturday March 2.
REVERENCE HOTEL TACO ‘SUESDAY’ TRADEMARK BATTLE
FOOTSCRAY’S REVERENCE HOTEL UP FOR SALE
BANDS WOULD BE DEVASTATED IF REVERENCE HOTEL SHUTS
The statement thanked the Footscray community, family and staff for supporting the venue over the years.
“We haven’t managed to secure another lease on the pub and have been operating on a month-to-month basis,” the Bodiams said.
“Without a lease or any certainty for a home, we are unable to plan long term and have had to stop investing back into the venue.”
“Looking back we are really proud of our achievements, the community that has congregated, and the memories that have been made.”
“Let’s go out with a bang!”
>> WHAT DOES THE REVERENCE HOTEL MEAN TO YOU? COMMENT BELOW
Tributes from regulars who relished a good hearty meal and live music at the landmark pub flooded the venue’s Facebook page.
“The Bodiam/Kelly family are a force to be reckoned with and have left an indelible imprint on the culture of Melbourne, Australia and the world,” pub regular Christy Hay said.
“This is a travesty against Footscray and live music venues,” hotel goer Natalia Muller said.
“My heart is broken.”
The Leader reported last year the hotel was listed on the “Advanced Hospitality Brokers” website with a price tag of $3.5 million.
The hotel was built in the 1800s.
A Heritage Council report previously found the site was of “archaeological significance”.
Post your tribute at facebook/reverencehotel
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