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The Johnston

places|vic|fitzroy|the%20johnston
Rock gods and rock pigs welcome at The Johnston. Live music, no frills beer and street-wise graffiti make for a promising venue.

Editorial


A fairly new bar on the busy Johnston Street strip is The Johnston. Having just opened, they've yet to earn their stripes, but they've got everything they need to get live music punters rocking.

It's located in the old Centrelink office space - lots of irony in that, no doubt - in the heart of the Johnston Street madness. Late at night on weekends this area gets a bit wild with suburban hero-type bogans, hipsters and yuppies all converging on this barely 500 metre-long strip. You may even want to cross the street at times; it's a bit of an adventure just trying to walk down the crowded footpath on Friday or Saturday nights.

From the outside I've got to admit, the place looks a bit dodgy. These guys really need to do something with the exterior, because it looks so temporary, and unwelcoming, like they're just squatting in the space. The inside is surprisingly amiable though, with a nice wooden bar, DJ setup, pool tables, video games, subdued lighting, and of course a stage for live music and enough room for 260 humans. The street art on walls is by Canadian artist AaronLi-Hill and is a very 'Fitzroy' touch. Overall, I can see what they're trying to do - foster live music in Fitzroy - and I hope they'll be successful. Beers on tap include the usual suspects like Carlton Draft - don't expect anything too fancy here.

Meri Harli, April 2010

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6 User reviews (add yours)

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Smithy
March 19, 2009


Cracking place. Both rooms have heaps of potential.

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steve
July 10, 2010


This place is unreal, 2 big rooms, great acts playing. the sound system is amazing best ive herd in a while. Its the new live venue in fitzroy. Well Done fellas

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amber
July 10, 2010


I loved this place went to the Soul a GO GO it was fantastic, best looking place in fitzroy, 2 big rooms main room is rocking with great sound. Finally got a new place to go to.

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andy
July 10, 2010


This place is rocking the hiphop night was killa, and what a sound system. fitzroys got a new home for the locals, its about time.

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Nadia
July 10, 2010


Had my work function here it was perfect more than enough room, staff was great. Easy to book, i will use the venue for future events.

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bogan
April 23, 2011


this place sucks!

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