Blondie does things differently

By Sean Car

Favourite Southbank local Blondie Bar has like many Melbourne businesses “pivoted” back towards its local community in 2020.

The family-owned business of brothers Adam and Brendan Keyte, who have operated Blondie and adjoining Script for the past eight and 12 years, respectively, has become a much-loved go-to for many locals, workers and visitors to the Arts Precinct.

But with COVID-19 forcing both of their Southbank venues to close during the height of the pandemic, Adam Keyte told Southbank News that while Script was looking forward to returning in the new year, Blondie had already sought to change its business model since reopening in November.

With Script forming part of the Melbourne Theatre Company’s (MTC’s) Southbank Theatre and Blondie part of the Melbourne Recital Centre (MRC), Mr Keyte said his pre-COVID clientele had largely been those attending theatre and concerts.

But with both MTC and MRC having been closed since April, he said the restrictions had given the business a chance to slow down and connect with local residents.

“We’re not completely rushed anymore,” he said. “We’re adapting the businesses to what locals want.”

“When someone is coming to a show they’re often tense because they want to get to the show on time. Whereas now we have tables throughout the night and the pace is different and we don’t have time limits on how long you can stay. As owners we can wander around and meet everyone.”

Serving up a delicious French Asian menu, in addition to a pizza menu served out of the Script kitchen, Blondie is quickly transitioning into a place for Southbankers to call their own.

The recently-completed Arts Gateway outdoor space as part of the council’s Southbank Boulevard upgrade has also given Blondie and Script more room for outdoor seating that they never had.

Known for its regular live entertainment offerings, the new outdoor space gives them even more room to move and Mr Keyte said locals could expect regular DJS on Thursdays and Saturdays, as well as its popular “Jazz Jams” on Fridays.

With MTC reopening for its first show on January 29 and the MRC returning in February, the precinct is set to come alive in a whole new way in 2021.

Blondie Bar is open Tuesdays to Saturdays. For more information visit blondiebar.com.au •