“As much as you’ve bought The Espy, you’ll never really own it” – a sentiment passed down by the previous owners of Hotel Esplanade, and one that still holds true today.

From catching your favorite band in The Gershwin Room to enjoying pre-gig drinks in the public bar, or stumbling in from the seaside after a long day, The Espy is a place filled with memories. For 144 years, its walls have witnessed countless stories—from first dates and celebrations to heartaches and reconciliations. If these walls could talk, they’d share some truly unbelievable tales.

A beloved haven for Melbourne’s colourful characters, The Espy has long been home to artists, musicians chasing their big break, and even philanthropist Alfred Felton, who lived and died within its storied walls.