High Note

THE VERDICT

Northcote’s High Street levelled up when the Northcote Theatre reopened late last year, and now, thanks to music industry heavyweights Crown Ruler, the buzzing northside strip is notching with a new venue called High Note—calling the two ground-level shopfronts home. 

High Note is best described as an amalgamation of quintessential Melbourne culture. It’s a bar that’s open late five nights a week, it’s also a live music venue, and it’s even a creative space that’s set to support the city’s wide and diverse arts scene.

There are several crown jewels to High note, though for the audiophiles, one that can’t be ignored is the stellar sound system that’s been lovingly crafted by co-owner Umut Tukeri. Designed with the space in mind, the speakers feature original vintage Altec horns that once graced the Sydney Opera House. 

On the drinks front, you’ll find a tidy list of predominantly Australian beers and wines along with a few fancy international tipples peppered in between. The low and no alcohol scene is also represented with classics like Heaps Normal and T.I.N.A, as well as the Japanese rehydration mainstay, Pocari Sweat—perfect for the start, middle or most likely end of your night. 

You’d be unlucky not to find live music or DJs any night of the week at High Note, with local legends and up-and-comers—oft from the likes of RRR or PBS radio—behind the wheels of steel. And furthering to the music program, punters can expect record fairs, exhibitions, panel discussions and more in the coming months.

Image credit: supplied