Lounge Around at Monte's
Ah, Monte’s. The weird, wonderful, semi-carnival themed pub that is the iconic watering hole for most that have either lived in or visited Alice Springs. I’m in good company when I admit to being guilty for more than a few well spent weekends inside the spellbinding big top.
By Hannah Muir
Monte’s is far more than just a pub, though it does do that fabulously, too. It is also a place for the thriving arts community of Alice.
Often hosting local music acts, burlesque, cabaret, choir and much more, Monte’s offers a stage for locals to support locals. A legacy built by the original owners and now inherited by Alice Springs Brewing Co., who took over as ringmasters in late 2019, just weeks before the global pandemic hit.
Kyle from Alice Springs Brewing Co. admits the timing has been hard, but they are committed to seeing it thrive once more.
“We are long-term locals of Alice Springs and Monte’s has always been one of my favourite venues to go to. It’s been fantastic to have been passed the torch by Mulga,” he says.
“The pandemic has made it hard, but it really is a wonderful venue to have. We obviously haven’t been able to do what we wanted to so far but we have been surviving, and things are starting to look good again.”
Before throwing his all into Alice Springs Brewing Co., Kyle was responsible for booking artists at The Gap View Hotel. And, as a result, Alice has seen some big names you’d not normally expect to see in little ol’ Alice Springs. Ashanti and Ja Rule, anyone?
As the pandemic dust begins to settle, Kyle can start to look ahead and plan the near future of Monte’s.
“There’s not a lot wrong with Monte’s, it has a great vibe and is a great place to have a beer, it’s just about getting it to its former glory”.
On top of some cosmetic upgrades of which include the toilets (finally, I hear some of you say), talks with some exciting artists are also underway.
“There is definitely an appetite for people to be out seeing shows again,” Kyle says.
“As well as supporting local artists where we can, I’ve also been in talks with some very exciting interstate acts, too and I’m really looking forward to that”.
So roll up, roll up, and head to Monte’s for a good ol’ time.
WHEN THU – SAT | 3PM-LATE
AT 95 TODD ST, ALICE SPRINGS
INFO monteslounge.com.au facebook.com/ monteslounge
