The Espy is much like a blank canvas to which many different elements have been added, but somehow the end result is a beautiful, chaotic, yet cohesive piece of material that carries with it a timelessness unrivalled by any other venue. The exterior is reminiscent of a haunted house, but there’s a party going on every night.

The front bar can be enjoyed free of charge nightly, with DJs and emerging acts lending their sounds as a backdrop to the view of Port Phillip Bay through the massive windows. Head out the back for some serious snooker or grab a pint and sit yourself down in the beer garden.

The famed Gershwin room holds major acts and there’s generally a fee for entry, or pre-booked tickets for larger gigs. This is a beautifully ornate room for revelry; it has superb acoustics, and has provided the launch pad for some of Australia’s greatest talent. Gigs in here feel special, like you have been invited to a party at a turn of the century gatecrash in a grand ballroom.

The thirsty masses are well serviced by several strategically placed bars and you’ll only be pressed to get a drink on the hottest of summer days.

An incredibly loose dress code means that all walks of life can and do converge on The Espy, making it a diverse and exciting venue.