The Drunken Poet

To experience a taste of Irish charm and hospitality in a cosy and friendly setting, Melbournians in the know head to The Drunken Poet.

The North Melbourne pub is popular amongst Irish expats and regulars who all come for the music, atmosphere and the craic.

Expertly pouring your pint of Guinness is Siobhan Dooley, an Irish expat and publican who has been offering a tribute to her homeland for over sixteen years.

“I'm Irish, but I lived in the States, and I noticed that Irish pubs were done very well over there.

“When I came to Melbourne, all the Irish pubs seemed to be large spaces, and I thought there was a gap in the market for a small, authentic Irish pub.”

Siobhan began working in restaurants, bars, and waitressing until she decided that having her own business was the next step in her career.

“It had always been my dream to own my own business in hospitality. But I wasn't sure whether it was going to be a cafe or a restaurant. Then once I started bartending, I fell in love with it.”

Siobhan searched for a space that would be friendly and intimate and came across a small Peel Street Goth bar across the road from Queen Victoria Market. A seven-month renovation saw the pub completely overhauled with warm timber finishes and the walls adorned with artwork inspired by Irish poets, writers and musicians. The pub’s unique name came from a brainstorming session.

“I wanted something to express what I wanted for the place, which was creativity and a literary vibe. We have no TV and no sports - instead, we focus on offering live music.”

At The Drunken Poet, punters can listen to acts six nights a week, including original singer-songwriters of blues, folk, roots, and indie music. The weekly Wine, Whiskey, Women events and Traditional Irish Music Sessions are particularly popular. They also host an open mic night on the first and third Thursdays of every month.

Siobhan’s immediate plan for the live music program is to include more opportunities for artists with disabilities to perform.

“I feel that they're starving for somewhere to express themselves in their music. I see them getting enjoyment out of performing to a live audience, and I feel I need to find a space in my music program where I can include them more.”

When asked about what she enjoys most about her job, Siobhan responds that she loves the interaction and the diversity of people that she gets to meet. She’s even erected small golden plaques along the bar in memory of The Drunken Poet’s regulars.

“People here are very friendly generally and feel comfortable just chatting to the person beside them. I see people make friends here all the time.”

Words by Joyce Watts & Photography by Anna Encio