Iconic Sydney Underground Music venue Qirkz finds a new home in the Hunter
Updated: 4 days ago
Abermain is quickly becoming the home of live music outside the Newcastle CBD, with new venue Qirkz in the Hunter already hosting acts like Katie Noonan and Kevin Borich.
Qirkz in the Hunter, previously known as the Hotel Denman, was established late last year by new owners Yaron Hallis and Edith Lowthe, and is without a doubt the quirkiest pub in the Hunter.
Walking in, it’s hard to know where to look first.
Every wall is adorned with contemporary art created by Indonesian surrealist artists Faizin and Pudjiami and numerous life-size models of Elvis, Marylin Monroe and other figures stand throughout the hotel.
But despite the unique and colourful décor, there is a serious strategy behind the pub’s revamp.
“I’ve been co-running a music venue in Sydney called Camelot Lounge for about 12 years, but previous to that there was an underground music venue called Qirkz which was where it all started,” hotelier Yaron Hallis said.
“It was basically an opportunity for me to invite people into my home, and share all my art and music with everyone.
“I never gave up on the dream of resurrecting Qirkz one day, but I never imagined it would be in the Hunter Valley until I saw this incredible 110-year-old historical pub and fell in love with it.”
“I never gave up on the dream of resurrecting Qirkz one day, but I never imagined it would be in the Hunter Valley until I saw this incredible 110-year-old historical pub and fell in love with it.”
Seeing the building’s potential, Hallis and his wife Edith (who was to become the licensee) purchased the pub and moved in upstairs to start creating the vision that would become Qirkz in the Hunter.
“This particular pub had so many things that appealed to me in terms of its layout including the area up front which we’ve turned into a café,” Hallis said.
“But most critically, it had the big area out the back that we’ve been able to turn into a space for live music - and that’s what motivates me most. To present opportunities for music and bands, because I noticed there was no dedicated music space in this neck of the woods.
“I also really want to give bands an opportunity to play in a dedicated music venue in this area where they are the main focus and not playing behind a wall of sports screens or competing with other entertainment options.”
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