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The Drunken Poet

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One look at the Drunken Poet’s old-fashioned façade tells you you’re in for a homey experience.

Editorial


The feeling is confirmed inside, where there's a blissful absence of TVs and a welcome abundance of conversation. In operation since 2006, this backpacker-friendly pub is situated opposite the Vic Market at the start of West Melbourne, directly in sight of a large confluence of different tram routes. It's small, comfy, and authentically Irish, complete with an Irish owner/bartender who whips up a menu of toasted sandwiches.

Local and interstate musicians take up instruments there five nights a week, including the ladies performance session “Wine, Whiskey, Women” on Wednesdays and the traditional Irish music session hosted by Dan Bourke & Friends on Fridays. (Hot tip: tap beer is five bucks a pint between 5 and 7pm during the latter.)

All the gigs are free, and there's no chance of getting your eardrums blown out by some rock dogs, unless it's Melbourne's punk-folk mainstays the Go Set. Rather, the Drunken Poet emphasises singer-songwriters, folkies, and other acoustic types, even offering spoken word the first Thursday of the month. In a city where cover charges and televisions in pubs are the norm, here's one pub that's a safe haven for thirsty musos and everyone else as well.

Doug Wallen, May 2010

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David Halford
June 17, 2008


Authentic??? is the word that best describes The Drunken Poet in West Melbourne. No clich??s, no TV???s, no bull, real music and real friendly. From the moment the doors opened in September 2006, ???The Poet??? has provided a space for some of Melbourne???s finest original and traditional music. Wednesday nights is the very special and popular female-only performance sessions titled; ???Wine, Whiskey, Women???. Each month the spoken word too hits the boards, with contemporary poetry readings given by local and international writers. From time time to time the Poet???s poet, Sean???Callaghan will be on hand to fire at you his own view of the world ??? love it! Tuesday night is Trivia night if your brain is up to it. With it???s diverse crowd, ???The Poet??? attracts as many overseas friends as it does local regulars. Best of all the entertainment is free and quite frankly, Siobhan makes the best toasted sandwiches this side of the city!

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