The Brass Monkey | |
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 Photograph of Hotel on James, William St corner | |
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| Address | William St &, James St, Northbridge 6003 Perth Australia |
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| Type | Bar, music venue |
| Website | |
| https://www.thebrassmonkey.com.au/ | |
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 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]
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]
The 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]
In 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]