Did you know that you’ll find an autograph of Pete Best, the Beatles’ first drummer, on a poster inside the Town Hall Hotel?

A pub has been on the Errol Street site since 1872. Now the iconic establishment is full of eclectic memorabilia, thanks to Jonathan Collin, who has been the proprietor of this well-known institution for over two decades.

“I had an office job and had completed a business degree in the ’80s, working in fashion and financial control. I didn’t like being in an office and began working behind the bar at the Town Hall Hotel when a friend needed a hand.

“Soon, I was helping to run the show. We had this night where you bet on sumo, and I'd give drinks away. I became the host of that after a few months, and then the place was for sale,” he says.

“One day, it hit me. I could afford to buy the pub. And I sat over there and cried. I was so happy!

“I’ve been here twenty-three years now. I’ve worked hard and lived with my family upstairs the whole time. It’s been quite a journey.”

The Town Hall Hotel is a mecca of music culture, hearty meals, and a place to catch up with friends. The front bar is a homage to rock and roll history - there are even autographs from Iggy Pop, Nick Cave and Best, ‘the fifth Beatle’.

The back room used to host a tiny stage for up-and-coming rock and rock gigs and is now a permanent dining area with a separate bar. 

In the summer months, you will see punters meeting up at a spot in the outdoor laneway or soaking up the sun in the palm-fringed beer garden. 

“The pub is a bit of a time capsule. The classic Axminster carpet is still here. Then there’s weird and wonderful album covers - one of my favourites is ‘Seduction Through Witchcraft’ - as well as references to Australian TV and religious paraphernalia,” Jonathan chuckles. 

“You'll see a lot of the records are American Baptist type records with fire and brimstone speeches. And a lot of the albums are like sermons. When you see them on display here, it's quite hysterical.”

The menu offers a variety of contemporary pub standards, including the award-winning chicken parma, classic steaks and a range of vegetarian options.

“Vegetarian food has gone through the roof. We have a big vegetarian selection, like mock chicken parma with mock bacon, cheese, or cheese substitute. Veggie bangers and mash with onion gravy are also popular, and the mock chicken burger is another crowd favourite.”

There is a selection of beers on tap and cocktails, while the winter months will see you get the chance to try their mulled wine.

“It makes the whole pub smell amazing, and you've got to taste it! We add cloves and cinnamon, black sambuca or a bit of brandy, oranges, fruit, and sugar. And each time, you've got to balance it, so every batch is unique.”

Town Hall Hotel is unlikely to change anytime soon, and it retains a huge base of customers - even regulars who have moved away from North Melbourne return. With live music and trivia nights back on the schedule, there is no end of entertainment options.

Jonathan says that they will continue what they do best, offering classic pub meals in a relaxed setting with a vibrant music scene. Every day you’ll find Jonathan and his team ready for a chat. 

“I'm very lucky; North Melbourne is great. It’s close to the city but it’s like a little country town with the pub at the heart of it. We know everyone.”

Words by Joyce Watts & Photography by Anna EncIO