Hotel Westwood co-owner James Young has high hopes for the future of the western Melbourne live music and hospitality scene, despite the hangover from the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors pressuring him putting the business up for sale.
“I truly believe the future of Melbourne is in the west,” he said.
Formerly known as the Reverence Hotel which closed its doors in 2019, Mr Young and his group Cult Leader aimed to reopen Hotel Westwood in April of 2020.
“We were very badly struck by timing,” he said.
“We were the first to be closed and the last to be opened.”
Mr Young said despite having success in attracting renowned live bands, the kitchen was lacking.
“I made a significant mistake in that I took on a pub and never had the money to finish the kitchen,” he said.
Mr Young said the hospitality and entertainment industries were one of the worst-hit during Melbourne’s long lockdowns.
“The ripple effect will be felt for at least five years,” he said.
“It’s brutal having to pay the rent.”
Mr Young said the increasing costs of public liability insurance was another pressure on the live music industry, as his costs have increased from $6000 per month to $33,000 per month.
“There is a crisis in the scene,” he said.
However, Mr Young said he was hopeful for Hotel Westwood’s future.
“That place is a seedling just waiting to blossom,” he said.
Mr Young said he was keen to support people wanting to host and promote live music and hospitality and the west.
“I’m very happy to share my skill set with the west,” he said.
“I believe there’s a revolution going on.
“Footscray’s going to be the new heartland.”
Matthew Sims
