Red Betty might be the only bar with 3D wallpaper in it, a nod to the venue’s origins as a magic theatre. Now reborn as a music venue and bar, it’s a place where people can go to enjoy music in a small, intimate setting.
Tucked in a laneway behind 859 Sydney Road, Brunswick on the cusp of Coburg, Red Betty has a magical stage perfect for all sorts of live performance. The bar’s hidden location means people sometimes struggle to find the place, and it’s certainly not a bar you just stumble across.
The venue hosts a huge variety of bands, anything from indie-pop to post-punk to rock. Plus, DJs play anything from hip hop to soul, funk and reggae through to house and techno. The cosy venue also holds spoken word performances, plays and festival events.
When there’s a gig on at Red Betty, it feels like a really good house party with a bar in it – with the added advantage that you don’t have to clean up at the end of the night. The bar staff are renowned for being relaxed and friendly which adds to the homely, cosy vibe.
The drink selection is carefully curated and features a quality drinks list that doesn’t break the bank. There’s a classic cocktail list, including a house favourite espresso martini. Locally brewed Collingwood Draught is on tap and there’s a list of excellent, locally sourced, wine and beer.