Overview

• Chef Scott Pickett has launched a staged reopening, with the front bar now open and the back room set to host themed nights, open mics and live music events.
• James Martelletti retains control of the venue’s Instagram account and claims he lost A$250,000 after landlords refused his offer to buy the trading name and business assets.
• Landlord Jim Kurtulus dismisses Martelletti’s allegations as baseless and says a valid commercial lease was required before any sale could proceed.
• Martelletti held only the trading name and digital domains, with no registered trademarks to support legal recourse for unpaid sale proceeds.
• The Gasometer, licensed since 1861 and known for hosting acts like Jet and Paul Dempsey, closed in March under rising cost pressures and is being revived to sustain Melbourne’s live music scene.