Publicans Mel & Matt and their dog Jack will forever be revered for their time running The Arthouse Hotel in North Melbourne – with The Reverence Hotel, they continue to provide a safe space that instantly feels like a clubhouse for your best pals. The Reverence (or The Rev or Revs) is a largely untouched classic corner pub in the working-class area of Footscray that is a dying breed in advocating for live music whilst being mutually embraced by local residents. The food is fast becoming just as worshipped as the gig offerings. The vegan options are now famous too. Taco Tuesday, Trivia Night and Comedy Night are always popular. Their greatest gift to Melbourne however, is the unwavering welcoming of so many bands of all popularity. For some context; news recently broke that the building was up for sale. This sparked an outpouring of hysterical grief for the potential loss of yet another iconic home for so many live music fans across the western suburbs, Melbourne and beyond. Every aspect of the The Reverence is again, perfect. We would be homeless without it. Photography by Gianna Rizzo.