Overview
The Tote Hotel is one of those places that every live music lover in Melbourne knows — and many around Australia revere. Tucked onto Johnston Street in Collingwood, it’s a pub that’s worn its history like a badge of honour since the 1980s, playing host to generations of musicians, misfits, and music fans.
The Tote is perhaps best known for its raw upstairs bandroom, an intimate sweat-soaked space that has launched careers and echoed with countless riffs. The front bar hosts smaller, often free gigs and late-night DJ sets, while the beer garden out back is a laid-back space to escape the noise or grab a pre-show drink.
Music is the main event here, with a calendar stacked full of local and touring acts, and genres ranging from punk and hardcore to indie, psych, and experimental. It’s one of the last bastions of Melbourne’s DIY spirit, with a fiercely loyal crowd and a commitment to keeping the local scene alive.
Behind the bar, you’ll find a solid lineup of Aussie beers on tap, cans of Coopers or Melbourne Bitter, and an atmosphere where everyone’s equal. The food offering is casual — think toasties, bar snacks, or something fried and fast — though many punters simply come for the drinks and the music.
The Tote has survived protests, political battles, and near-closures, emerging each time as a symbol of resistance and cultural importance. Whether you’re here for a legendary show, a surprise set, or just to soak up the vibe, The Tote delivers the kind of authentic, unpolished experience that’s increasingly rare in the live music world.
Last update June 2025
