Back in the day, 1904 to be exact, mankind was making all manner of progress. The New York subway was opened to the public, digging of the Panama Canal commenced, Japan invaded Russia and Cornelius Wrinklewright invented the ice cream cone. Amidst all these advancements and activities Melbourne’s first gastro pub was granted a liquor license and the Hotel Spencer was born. Others to share this year as a birthday were Cary Grant, Salvador Dali and Dr Seuss…yep, it really was quite a year.
Before the current incarnation of Hotel Spencer the public house was named the James Watt Hotel, first opening its doors to thirsty local workers in February of 1844. Since then the old dear has seen 4 births, 2 deaths – 1 accidental and 1 not so accidental, numerous fights, friendships and frivolities.
Surviving 166 years as a hotel is no mean feat considering the elements against it, including 2 world wars, temperance movements, GST, the ALP and the six o’clock swill…Aaahhh the six o’clock swill…Until the middle of the 20th century most Australian pubs were required by law to close at 6pm.
Naturally, this led to the development of the phenomenon known as the ‘six o’clock swill’. Towards closing time, patrons would rush to guzzle as much beer as they could before the possibility of drinking anything was snatched away from them. This archaic concept was driven by the Christian Women’s Temperance Movement in an effort to ensure their husbands were all home by dinner time but the result was an hour long session of mayhem where men were men and the rest were shocked and scarred.
Thankfully common sense prevailed, The Spencer survived, and we can all enjoy a cold one at our leisure in somewhat more peaceful surrounds.