The Brass Monkey Hotel is a bar located at the corner of James and William Streets in Northbridge, a suburb of Perth in Western Australia.[1][2][3]
The Brass Monkey | |
 | |
 Photograph of Hotel on James, William St corner | |
 | |
| Address | William St &, James St, Northbridge 6003 Perth Australia |
|---|---|
| Type | Bar, music venue |
| Website | |
| https://www.thebrassmonkey.com.au/ | |
Description
editThe venue consists of three-storeys and a part basement. It is a brick and iron building, rapped around the north-west corner of Williams and James St. It has verandahs on all floors, with decorative metal filigree. Much of its original features from its 1896 construction have been retained; including its stained glass windows, timber staircases and joinery.[4]
The venue contains a function space, an upstairs bar, and a balcony. The neighbouring 'Patriots Sports Bar' is connected to the venue.[4] The original accommodation spaces are still on the second floor, and are used as administrative and staff spaces.[4]
In its early 20th century period, the bar contained 'a large billiard room, a magnificent saloon, and front bar, the fittings of which are equal to anything in the city, where patrons are served with courtesy and despatch.'[5]
History and operations
edit
The hotel was built on a plot of valuable, strategically located land owned by a widow, Mrs. Davies. She commissioned Michael Cavanagh to design a three-story hotel for the site. Its design is now regarded as an example of the 'Federation Filigree' style.[6] It was one of the more lavish hotels constructed in Perth during the Gold Boom period.[6]
The venue was constructed in 1896 and initially named the Great Western Hotel. Its first publican was Myer Rosenweig.[6] By 1899 the licensee was with Mr. George West, an altercation that year made local headlines after he was charged with obstructing police from arresting patrons.[7][8] In 1906 it was in the hands of Mr. Chas Brewer,[5][9] and in 1907 in the hands of Mr. Bert Porter.[10]
In 1913 the venue was acquired by George H Kentish, a well-known publican of the Goldfields who had previously managed the Tivoli, Oriental, and Shamrock Hotels in Kalgoorlie.[11][12][13] In its early days the venue was renowned as a 'free house', not tied by contract to selling any particular brand of liquor.[5]
The venue appears multiple times in newspaper records from the early 20th century; in matters including lawsuits over staff pay disputes,[14] violent disturbances,[15] foul language,[16] brawls with police officers,[17] pickpocketing,[18] and robberies.[19]
Modern period
editThe venue was significantly refurbished in 1988–89, and was renamed the 'Brass Monkey'.[20]
In 2007 the venue was purchased by ALE Property Group.[2]
The venue announced a change in style in 2022, stating that it would be attempting to operate as an ordinary worker's pub; rather than as a nightclub.[4]
In modern times the venue has continued to be a source of local headlines for disturbances.[21][22][23]
Reception
editIn recent years, decisions of the hotel's management have resulted in public criticism and attention in local headlines. A decision to host an Anzac Day event in 2017 was described as 'disgusting' and 'tasteless'.[24] The previous year, the venue was criticised for displaying sexist banners in promotion of a fraternity themed party being hosted.[25] Venue management later apologised after reporting in the SMH, and news.com.au.[26]
The venue has been referenced in Perth popular culture.[27]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "The Brass Monkey Hotel in Northbridge is ornate and distinctive". www.realperthwa.com. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- ^ a b "ALE Group buys Brass Monkey hotels". The Sydney Morning Herald. 2007-10-17. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- ^ Offen, Richard (2018). Lost Perth. ISBN 9781911595601.
- ^ a b c d Staff, Perth Is OK (2022-03-01). "Monkey See, Monkey New: The Brass Monkey Is Returning To Its Original Corner Pub Vibes". Perth is OK!. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- ^ a b c "A FREE HOUSE". Sunday Times. 1906-11-04. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- ^ a b c "History". Brass Monkey Hotel, Northbridge, WA. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- ^ "Great Western Hotel". Inquirer and Commercial News. 1899-03-10. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- ^ "The Great Western Hotel Affair". West Australian. 1899-01-19. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- ^ "Great Western Hotel. CHAS. BREWER, Proprietor". Sunday Times. 1906-12-23. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- ^ "Great Western Hotel". Sunday Times. 1907-12-22. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- ^ "Great Western Hotel". Truth. 1913-06-21. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- ^ "Great Western Hotel". Truth. 1913-06-14. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- ^ "Great Western Hotel". Truth. 1913-12-20. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- ^ "CHAMPAGNE AND SOVEREIGNS". Daily News. 1920-05-28. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- ^ "Disturbance Created". Evening Mail. 1907-05-14. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- ^ "BAD LANGUAGE". Daily News. 1897-02-16. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- ^ "In the Great Western Hotel". The West Australian. 23 March 1907. p. 3. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
- ^ "AN ALLEGED PICKPOCKET". Daily News. 1903-05-14. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- ^ "Robbery at the Great Western Hotel". Norseman Times. 1920-03-02. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- ^ "Heritage Council of WA - Places Database". inherit.stateheritage.wa.gov.au. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- ^ "Man jailed over Perth pub glassing". PerthNow. 2020-06-20. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- ^ "'So much blood' in Northbridge glassing". PerthNow. 2020-06-14. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- ^ "Man and boy, 14 charged over violent Northbridge attack". The West Australian. 2017-05-22. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- ^ "Hotel attacked for Anzac Day eve event". PerthNow. 2017-04-24. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- ^ McNeill, Heather (2016-12-29). "Brass Monkey Hotel forced to apologise for sexist 'frat party' banners". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- ^ Staff writers (30 December 2016). "Perth pub under fire for hanging offensive 'frat party' banners from balcony". News.com.au. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
- ^ "Perth men fall in love after brawl | Perth Underground". www.perthunderground.com.au. Retrieved 2023-06-12.