Pony

Pony can be neatly summarised in one word. Grungy. The couches are old and half-broken, the carpet is sticky and the actual decor looks like it was pilfered from countless roadside curb collections. Even in a city known for it's op-shop design chic, Pony manages to raise the bar a notch or two. But therein lies the charm. Pony may be half broken, but then so are the bulk of the bands performing AND the audience. It's the Pete Doherty school of life and interior design. If you don't know, Pony is one of Melbourne's best-known indie establishments. While hipsters drink beer and fall over in the downstairs lounge, you can find bands upstairs Thursday through to Saturday. The genres may veer wildly between metal and art rock, but you can pretty much assume everyone involved will be wearing super tight jeans. Given the venue's commitment to live music and grungy decor, the drinks selection is exactly what you'd expect - a whole lot of beer. Their may only be five beers on tap, but the bottled selection is actually quite extensive. There are also a reasonable number of wines available by the glass if you want to be THAT PERSON. Pony might not be for everybody, but it continues to pull in the crowds, week after week. If you've got very tight jeans, are in a band and are looking for a place to drink beers until 7am, then this is a comfortable second home.