The Espy. St Kilda
11 The Esplanade
St Kilda VIC 3182
Iconic St Kilda pubs and live music venue
Sunday - Thursday: 12pm - 11pm
Friday + Saturday: 12pm - 3am
I visited the Espy in St Kilda, and for a venue that’s over 140 years old, there’s actually some solid accessibility in place, you just need to know how it works.
This is a bi9g, multi-level venue with bars, restaurants and live music spaces across a few levels, so lift access is key.
You’ll find the lift in the front public bar on the ground level (labelled basement on the lift), right at the back of the venue. Just a heads up, this area can get pretty crowded, especially on Saturday nights, so getting to the lift may mean navigating through people.
Once you’re in, the lift takes you up to all levels.
The main bar has a nice open layout with enough space to move, and I grabbed a spot right at the front overlooking the water, such a good view! Seating is a mix of standard tables (some with backrests) and higher tables with stools, so you’ve got options. Food is classic pub-style, but this is definitely more of a drinks spot. If you’re after a proper sit down meal, I’d recommend @myatigerstkilda on the level above.
The accessible toilet on this level is located around the back past the bar. It’s functional and does the job. There’s also another accessible toilet down on the ground floor near the lift, which is a really handy option on your way in or out.
Parking can be a bit hit and miss. There is an accessible street spot in the street that runs alongside The Espy, but on busy nights (especially Saturdays), the queue to get into the pub can run along that same stretch, which makes access a bit tricky. Much easier outside peak times.
Ease of access here really depends on how busy it is. That said, when I went to a gig in the Gershwin Room, a security guard escorted me through the crowd and got me set up right at the front so I could see, absolute legend!
Overall, for such an iconic and historic venue, the Espy offers a solid accessible setup — just plan ahead for crowds and know where you’re heading.
Report Card | B+
Entrance 9/10
Space 8/10
Toilet 9/10
Parking 8/10
