Brass Monkey Hotel

The Brass Monkey Hotel is a bar located at the corner of James and William Streets in Northbridge, a suburb of Perth in Western Australia.

Description
The venue consists of three-storeys and a part basement. It is a brick and iron building, rapped around the north-west corner of Williams and James St. It has verandahs on all floors, with decorative metal filigree. Much of its original features from its 1896 construction have been retained; including its stained glass windows, timber staircases and joinery.

The venue contains a function space, an upstairs bar, and a balcony. The neighbouring 'Patriots Sports Bar' is connected to the venue. The original accommodation spaces are still on the second floor, and are used as administrative and staff spaces.

In its early 20th century period, the bar contained 'a large billiard room, a magnificent saloon, and front bar, the fittings of which are equal to anything in the city, where patrons are served with courtesy and despatch.'

History and operations
The hotel was built on a plot of valuable, strategically located land owned by a widow, Mrs. Davies. She commissioned Michael Cavanagh to design a three-story hotel for the site. Its design is now regarded as an example of the 'Federation Filigree' style. It was one of the more lavish hotels constructed in Perth during the Gold Boom period.

The venue was constructed in 1896 and initially named the Great Western Hotel. Its first publican was Myer Rosenweig. By 1899 the licensee was with Mr. George West, an altercation that year made local headlines after he was charged with obstructing police from arresting patrons. In 1906 it was in the hands of Mr. Chas Brewer, and in 1907 in the hands of Mr. Bert Porter.

In 1913 the venue was acquired by George H Kentish, a well-known publican of the Goldfields who had previously managed the Tivoli, Oriental, and Shamrock Hotels in Kalgoorlie. In its early days the venue was renowned as a 'free house', not tied by contract to selling any particular brand of liquor.

The venue appears multiple times in newspaper records from the early 20th century; in matters including lawsuits over staff pay disputes, violent disturbances, foul language, brawls with police officers, pickpocketing, and robberies.

Modern period
The venue was significantly refurbished in 1988–89, and was renamed the 'Brass Monkey'.

In 2007 the venue was purchased by ALE Property Group.

The venue announced a change in style in 2022, stating that it would be attempting to operate as an ordinary worker's pub; rather than as a nightclub.

In modern times the venue has continued to be a source of local headlines for disturbances.

Reception
In recent years, decisions of the hotel's management have resulted in public criticism and attention in local headlines. A decision to host an Anzac Day event in 2017 was described as 'disgusting' and 'tasteless'. The previous year, the venue was criticised for displaying sexist banners in promotion of a fraternity themed party being hosted. Venue management later apologised after reporting in the SMH, and news.com.au.

The venue has been referenced in Perth popular culture.