The Drunken Poet

The Drunken Poet One of Melbourne's finest small venues, hosting live, original music Tuesday through Sunday. Sign up is from 5pm on the night, Open Mic begins at 7pm.
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The Drunken Poet is a cozy, authentic Irish pub, situated just near the Victoria Markets, at 65 Peel St, West Melbourne. Out of more than 1,500 pubs from 41 countries, The Drunken Poet was voted into the 10 Best Irish Pubs In The World (Outside Ireland) by The Irish Times... the only venue in Australia to make the list! As our reviews will tell you, The Drunken Poet is a real locals' pub: cute, co

zy and friendly. That's what makes it authentically Irish - it's not a twee or clichéd theme-pub... we have portraits of poets from Ireland and around the world on our walls, we serve great Guinness, and we have one of the finest selections of Irish whiskey in Australia. We do free live music six nights a week, and feature Tribute Tuesdays, Wine Whiskey Women on Wednesdays, Open Mic Nights on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month, and Irish Music Sessions on Fridays. For band bookings please email [email protected]
For general enquiries please email [email protected]

Open Mic nights on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month.

30/08/2026

The Drunken Poet celebrates their 20th birthday on September 20.
🎉🖤🎉🖤🎉

Open from midday - with live music from The Maggie Carty Band, Van Walker, Adam Waldron Trio, Pheasantry & The Get Down Gang!

See you there for a mighty celebration
🖤🎉🖤🎉🖤

Thanks to poet legend M A G G I E C A R T Y for being the voice of this announcement on PBS 106.7FM to share the news!

Today from 4-6pm at The Poet! Don’t miss Shackleton! 🖤Formed by Mick Thomas, Anna Burley (Killjoys) and Liz Stringer, Sh...
30/08/2026

Today from 4-6pm at The Poet! Don’t miss Shackleton! 🖤

Formed by Mick Thomas, Anna Burley (Killjoys) and Liz Stringer, Shackleton3 was a holiday band - and a damn good one. Something to keep their hand in when not touring in their own respective right.

They played the pubs of the inner north of Melbourne and were the perfect soundtrack for dreamy winter Sunday evenings. Open fires, red wine and dark beer were their companions as a dedicated following shared the intimate spaces. Football would be finished for the round and thoughts of the working week were expertly held at bay as the glorious harmonies swirled around the commanding vocals of Anna Burley.

When Liz Stringer departed to live in the northern hemisphere the band played on a for another year with a revolving lineup but ultimately other projects took precedence and the band stopped playing - leaving behind one single album Just Turning Pages as testament to some nonchalantly magical performances.

But a good idea and a good concept will only remain dormant for so long and an impromptu two song reunion at the wake for an inner Melbourne punter stalwart got Mick and Anna thinking it’s time to revive the very idea if the band. Enter Olivia Bolmat from indi folk new-troubadours Norwood to complete the lineup and Shackleton3 2026 is set to go.

The only question now is what are you doing Sunday?

Bring on the weekend at The Drunken Poet! Fri 28th August           Traditional Irish Music Session at 6pmAdam Waldron T...
28/08/2026

Bring on the weekend at The Drunken Poet!

Fri 28th August
Traditional Irish Music Session at 6pm
Adam Waldron Trio at 8.30pm

Sat 29th August
Pat McKernan at 3pm
Pheasantry at 9pm

Sun 30th August
Shackleton at 4pm
The Tipplers at 6.30pm

Tonight at the Drunken Poet, we welcome Sam Price Trio bring some very good jazz to our Thursday night. Join us from 8pm...
27/08/2026

Tonight at the Drunken Poet, we welcome Sam Price Trio bring some very good jazz to our Thursday night. Join us from 8pm!

Returning to The Poet, Join us tonight for Wine, Whiskey, Women with Elly Mck & The Unbelievers from 8pm!Frontwoman Elly...
26/08/2026

Returning to The Poet, Join us tonight for Wine, Whiskey, Women with Elly Mck & The Unbelievers from 8pm!

Frontwoman Elly McK crafts hauntingly original songs that dance along edges of folk, alt-country, and Americana. Backed by The Unbelievers, the band delivers a mix of vintage-inspired vibes and foot-stomping grooves, blending raw storytelling, rich harmonies, and a sound that marries rootsy twang with modern grit. Known for their captivating live performances and evocative songwriting, Elly McK & The Unbelievers are carving a distinct path in the Australian music scene, becoming an undeniable force to watch.

26/08/2026
Tribute Tuesday tonight at The Poet! Peter Baylor & Nick Hayward plays the songs of Willie Nelson. These two musicians w...
25/08/2026

Tribute Tuesday tonight at The Poet!

Peter Baylor & Nick Hayward plays the songs of Willie Nelson. These two musicians will transport you to the heart of Texas with their soulful renditions of Willie's greatest hits.

Don't miss out on this incredible tribute to a country music legend!

Coming up this week at The Drunken Poet! The last week of winter.. we've got you sorted with tasty pints and live music ...
24/08/2026

Coming up this week at The Drunken Poet! The last week of winter.. we've got you sorted with tasty pints and live music on tap!

Tue 25th August
Tribute Tuesdays at 8pm:
Peter Baylor & Nick Hayward plays the songs of Willie Nelson

Wed 26th August
Wine, Whiskey, Women: Elly Mck & The Unbelievers at 8pm

Thu 27th August
Sam Price Trio at 8pm

Fri 28th August
Traditional Irish Music Session at 6pm
Adam Waldron Trio at 8.30pm

Sat 29th August
Pat McKernan at 3pm
Pheasantry at 9pm

Sun 30th August
Shackleton at 4pm (pictured)
The Tipplers at 6.30pm

We've got your weekend sorted!Fri 21st August           Traditional Irish Music Session at 6pmJump The Shark at 8.30pmSa...
21/08/2026

We've got your weekend sorted!

Fri 21st August
Traditional Irish Music Session at 6pm
Jump The Shark at 8.30pm

Sat 22nd August
MacCrimmin at 3pm
Matt Dwyer Trio at 9pm

Sun 23rd August
Moonee Valley Drifters at 4pm
Fables Acoustic Duo at 6.30pm (pictured)

Register from 5pm at the bar for Open Mic Night tonight at The Poet! Performances from 7pm - see you soon.
20/08/2026

Register from 5pm at the bar for Open Mic Night tonight at The Poet!

Performances from 7pm - see you soon.

Address

65 Peel Street
West Melbourne, VIC
3003

Opening Hours

Tuesday 3pm - 1am
Wednesday 3pm - 1am
Thursday 3pm - 1am
Friday 3pm - 1am
Saturday 12pm - 1am
Sunday 12am - 11pm

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