Southside bar Pawn & Co. has reopened on Greville Street after five years of operation on Chapel Street.
The pawnshop concept and design has been retained with the bar setting up shop in a larger two-storey venue, while the steampunk aesthetic has been amplified with the venue featuring a cryogenic chamber and steampunk throne.
Many elements of the original Pawn & Co., such as the hidden bookstore door are moving to the new venue, along with new instruments like glasses that allow patrons to see otherwise invisible features.
“The concept of Pawn was born from the heart of prohibition when venues were ruthlessly closed down and had to re-emerge to fight another day. The big guys are shutting us down now but we’ve got so much more to give to Melbourne and that’s why we are rebooting bigger and better than ever. We’ve built a loyal following since opening the original Pawn & Co. and now we owe it to them to keep going and expand the theme to crazy new levels. Expect Pawn & Co. on steampunk steroids,” said co-creator Josh Lefers.
The venue is licensed until 5am and will be serving drinks, like the gunpowder Long Island iced tea, mixed by a church organ, from Friday to Sunday. Drink orders can be placed with a talking vending machine.
