Justin Hemmes buys The Excelsior

February 22nd 2011

Do you enjoy straight-up rock and roll at Surry Hills mainstay The Excelsior? Well, you may want to start making new plans.

According to the SMH, Justin Hemmes and his Merivale group have bet on an increasingly gentrified Surry Hills by buying out the venue for $4.5 million, with hopes to draw "an influx of cashed-up drinkers". And given that Merivale are the group behind rather distinguished places like The Ivy, Establishment and Slip Inn, we're guessing that The Excelsior's rather unpretentious bandroom isn't quite what they have in mind once the renovation dust settles.

With it being one year since Melbourne's still-incredible SLAM rally, it's a downer to see another historic Sydney venue on the way out. Consider this a reminder to get out there, see some live music, and support local venues.

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