There is a rising star in Melbourne’s bar and live music scene and her name is Miss Libertine. She abides in the old Macs Hotel on Franklin Street near the Victoria Market; a classic bluestone coaching inn from the gold rush days with the original horse troughs still out front.
Over the decades various internal refurbishments have been tried at Macs Hotel but despite efforts to the contrary the pub often remained a smoky and blokey domain. That’s until Miss Libertine arrived.
Miss Libertine takes its name from 1860s burlesque performer, Lola Montez, who was known for her infamous ‘spider dance’. It’s rumoured that she performed her risqué dance at Mac’s, thus the name Miss Libertine.
Nexo system installed ion the spider web design that is Miss Libertine
Red couches adorn the entrance on Franklin Street Melbourne
The ghost of Lola lingers in the decor. The owners of Miss Libertine worked closely with design team Splinter Society to create a bar that has a contemporary-burlesque feel. The lighting hangs from the ceiling like a giant spider web, and plush red seating is scattered throughout. The theme is black and white; even the line of the dado continues through the prints hanging on the wall blacking out all parts of the print that fall below it.
Miss Libertine, looking front across the bar to the front entrance, highlights the spider web feel of the lighting
The entrance to Miss Libertine
Miss Libertine caters for live music and DJs on certain nights of the week and owner Stephen Sam is particularly proud of the audio in his new venue; not only does it deliver great sound it also becomes part of the slightly wacky interior design.
“We decided to install a Nexo system, as we knew it to be an extremely good product and in the short time that we have been open, we have been written and talked about a lot in terms of sound quality,” said Sam. “Basically, we are one of the best sounding venues in Melbourne.”
The Nexo system is incorporated into the design of the room
The Nexo system, powered by Camco Vortex 6 amplifiers, comprises of eight PS8 speakers, four LS400 speakers in the front bar and Alpha E speakers in the back room along with four 18″ subs and two mid/high range speakers. Also in the backroom are two PS10 speakers and an LS500. The DJ utilizes two PS15 speakers for foldback whilst RCF in-wall speakers service the toilets.
“We’ve found that everyone who performs here just loves the sound,” added Sam. “We couldn’t be happier!”
Miss Libertine: a great space to play
Notice the sub in the top right of this shot. The view of the bar
