Midtown just got louder – meet The Den, your new go-to
Newcastle’s nighttime precinct, Midtown, has welcomed a new addition to the block - say hello to The Den.
More than just a stage, the team behind The Den wanted to create a space that was all about encouraging creativity in all forms, and allowing the artists to connect with their audience - whether it’s a gig, theatre production, comedy show, or something a little left of field.
Launching in early June, Newcastle’s newest music venue isn’t just about the audience, it’s just as much about the artists themselves.
Designed to be a blank canvas, The Den is a truly intimate entertainment experience that starts as soon as you step through the Union Street doors.
You’re first welcomed by The Den’s small bar, a simplified offering in comparison to its craft and cocktail neighbours. The can-only bar is however purposeful, offering versatility to those hiring the space, allowing them to bring whatever canned flavours they feel appropriate for their crowd, as co-owner Adam Hardy explains,
“It's just a can bar. It's simple. Whether we're running it or someone else is, it gives that person the option to bring in their own products.”
“We steered away from a tap system as that can get complex, instead we’ve installed a huge ice machine, a cool room and freezers so we can cater to events of all sizes”.
Once you’ve got your can in hand, head into The Den and catch a live gig or performance in the most intimate of ways with the completely black space bringing a mood all of its own.
With a capacity of 100 people, The Den allows for an almost private-like entertainment experience, which Adam explained was quite deliberate,
“We wanted the space to appeal to both bands who are just starting out, and may only have 15 or 20 people in the crowd, so it doesn’t feel too overwhelming, as well as bands who have 60 or 80, so they feel like rock stars.”
“We’ve invested a lot into not only establishing a really quality sound and light system, but insulating the venue to guarantee none of the passing Union Street noise filters through in any way.”
Handing over the task of filling the venue to local booking agents Bandaid, the guys behind West Best Bloc Fest, they’ve taken charge and are bringing a regular lineup of entertainment every Friday and Saturday nights as Adam explains,
“Friday nights will be ticketed. We'll keep it as small as we can depending on the event but around a $10 entry fee, and that money will be passed on to the artists.”
“We can supply the sound guy or we can run the bar and they can run the performance space, or we can collaborate together, we’re just kind of letting the space dictate how it goes, and also let the community tell us what works, and what they like about it.”
If you’re yet to experience the energy of Midtown, it’s time to plan a visit. Whether you’re dropping in for a meal at Bella Italia, cocktails at The Koutetsu, hot dogs and beers at mad poet, live music and brews at Rogue Scholar, or partying on at Jam’s and Bernie’s, Midtown has become a destination, and The Den is bringing even more live music energy to the block.
