Dracula’s Melbourne restaurant to close

AUSTRALIA’S longest-running theatre restaurant is closing the coffin on its Carlton business after 37 years of operation.

Dracula's Theatre Restaurant performers entertain diners in 2005. Picture: Rob Baird

AUSTRALIA’S longest-running theatre restaurant is closing the doors of its Carlton business after 37 years of operation.

Dracula’s on Victoria Street released a shock statement, saying management had made the call to close the coffin on what has been a great ride.

Run by Newman Entertainment International, a company run by the children of founders Tikki and John Newman, the “difficult decision” was made after some recent lean years.

The team behind Dracula's, Haydie, Marc and Paul Newman, in 2005.

The much-loved Melbourne entertainment restaurant combined burlesque, contemporary music, comedy and dining into energetic shows.

The statement suggested demand for spooky theatre dining had dried up in Melbourne over the years.

“We are seeing the demand for our style of live entertainment in the region we offer has diminished in recent years despite our earnest efforts to maintain our popularity,” the statement read.

In the beginning it was one of Melbourne’s more outrageous venues, with a punk-like vibe inside a tiny city rental where the waiters rocked tattoos and mohawks and the entertainment was dark and edgy.

These days, with a staff of 200 across two venues, Dracula’s is now modelled on the European style of cabaret with the same dark-edged vampire theme.

Fans of the entertainment restaurant were devastated after their statement was released on Facebook.

“I am gutted. This place was amazing with so much talent, we loved it there, so very sad to hear it’s closing down” Facebook user Emily Landrigan said.

A Jack Sparrow-inspired waiter brings diners their food at Dracula's Theatre Restaurant in 2005. Picture: Rob Baird

The appreciation from those who had walked their haunted halls was heard loud and clear by management.

“We want to thank each and every person that has been a part of our madcap theatre restaurant and hope that you can visit us one last time before our final show!

“To our loyal customers and fans of our Dracula’s Melbourne venue — after an astoundingly successful 37 years, our final curtain call will be on December 23rd”.

Customers with bookings after December 23 will either get a booking transfer or a full refund.