It’s one of Melbourne’s fabled venues – a bit like the Flinders Street ballroom – a place we know about and romanticise, but where few have been.
Georgina Damm, proprietor of event and catering experts Damm Fine Food, recalls being snuck underage into the ballroom during its band-room heyday (she thinks it was to see Kate Ceberano’s band, I’m Talking). “I can remember the red velvet drapes and being intrigued by the space,” she says. Damm set her heart on running events there subsequently and pestered the owner until he relented and opened the doors after a hefty, and no doubt expensive, bit of refurbishment.
Damm, who also runs the Alto and Ellis Street event spaces, plans to use the space for fancy dos featuring celeb chefs. Sadly, from the perspective of the dedicated rock dog, no splendidly seedy big band nights are on the cards, although Damm is quite keen on the idea of using it for somewhat more demure cabaret and dinner shows. It’s also perfect for weddings and corporate bashes. Since being handed the keys, Damm has used the space for a wedding, a 40th birthday, a bar mitzvah and a media launch.
#theballroomisback