Whether you want to enjoy a good meal, kick back with some drinks or take in a gig, there’s only one place to be – Tanswells Hotel, the best pub in Beechworth. Fine food, functions, fun gigs and two levels of different dining areas, Tanswells has historically been one of the most popular pubs in Beechworth.
Tanswells hotel
WELCOME TO
Pictured: Jim Mosely, latter proprieter of Tanswell’s.
it’s all happening
at Tanswells
From a historic bar that once played host to the infamous bushranger Harry Power, to one of Beechworth’s oldest music spaces, an upstairs deck with stunning views across town, and with live gigs every weekend 173-year-old building has something for everyone.
Every visit brings something different.
gigs
Last Leaves are a Melbourne indie rock quartet based around the songwriting of Marty Donald who is joined by two of his ex-Lucksmiths bandmates Louis Richter and Mark Monnone, with new addition Stanley Paulzen (Fred Astereo, Tlot Tlot) on drums. The band are putting the finishing touches to their second album, the long-awaited follow-up to 2017's Other Towns Than Ours.
Support will be from Social Worker which is the new duo of Anthony Atkinson and Kimba Mitchell who, back in the day, used to play in a great band called The Mabels, signed to Candle Records.
Disassociating On The Travelator is the second collaborative EP from Melbourne/Naarm songwriters Winter McQuinn & Acacia Pip.
Blending indie folk, jangle pop and folk-emo with understated, emotionally rich songwriting, the four-track release reflects on memory, contemporary life and the quiet search for meaning in everyday moments. Recorded with Liam "Snowy" Halliwell at Bakehouse Studios, the EP will be released by Third Eye Stimuli Records on October 16 as a special double EP edition alongside Recently I've Been Missing The Colour Green, bringing both releases to vinyl and CD for the first time.
The release follows a busy year for both artists. Winter McQuinn recently toured his third solo album throughout Australia, North America and Europe, sharing stages with Stella Donnelly, Sylvie (US), Kacy & Clayton (CA) and Glyders (US), alongside appearances at Berlin Folk Festival and New Colossus Festival in New York. Meanwhile, Acacia Pip toured nationally with Pinch Points, supporting legendary punk band Descendents on their Australian tour.
Winter McQuinn & Acacia Pip will celebrate the release of Disassociating On The Travelator with a 13-date Australian and Aotearoa/New Zealand tour throughout October, November and December.
The Rarebit Fiends offer a cheesefuelled fever dream of country-fried classics, from Sabbath to Spears
Malibu Spacey is pleased as punch to announce the release of new EP Second Favourite T-Shirt. The four new tracks see the band at their most Spacey-ish, dishing out lush three
and four-part harmonies across songs that swing from dark country-inflected rock to 70s folk and dreamy indie.
Among it all you’ll find surreal lyrical worlds detailing acute bouts of
hypochondria, finding comfort in daydreams, and the swinging fortunes of just living life.
File Malibu Spacey somewhere between contemporary rockers like the Lemon Twigs and MJ Lenderman, and the poppy, harmony-heavy sounds of old guard bands like the Byrds. Catch their pub debut with support from regular visitor Ellen James!
Van Walker is a prolific and celebrated songwriter in the genres of folk, blues, country and rock. A cult figure in his adopted home of Victoria, with a vast catalogue of poetic, lyric-driven material that explore a range of personal and social themes.
He continues to tour consistently nationally and internationally, along with his work with The Ferriters, who have been described as "one of the best acts on the Irish-Australian scene". Catch The Ferriters in trio mode in the front bar!
"One of the finest songwriters in the country." - Jeff Lang
Country music lovers, prepare yourselves for the Australian debut tour of STERLING DRAKE this October.
Hailing from Montana, Sterling writes songs steeped in the landscapes, traditions and people of the American West. His blend of country, folk and Americana is built on honest storytelling, rich melodies and a deep connection to place, earning him appearances at AmericanaFest, Under the Big Sky and the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.
With his debut full-length The Shape I'm In released in 2025, Sterling has emerged as one of the new and exciting voices in American roots music, crafting songs that are both deeply personal and universally resonant. Don’t miss him in Beechworth with special guest Misty Harlowe!
Jeremy Beggs and The Long Road Travellers return to Beechworth for a full-band show at Tanswell’s Hotel on Friday 30 October.
Blending heartfelt Australian storytelling with Americana grit, Jeremy’s songs explore family, struggle, hope, resilience and the weight carried by ordinary people. The band will bring songs from his debut album, "The Long Road", to life across two sets, alongside newer material and a few carefully chosen favourites.
After the warm response to their previous Beechworth visit, they are excited to return for another generous night of songs, stories and connection. Settle in and join them.
Quivers have been making jangle-damaged, lyric-driven guitar pop long enough now for REM to slide into their Instagram direct messages. Dream US label Merge signed the band for their 3rd release, Oyster Cuts, and Quivers toured with indie stalwarts Superchunk and by themselves all over Australia, Europe and the US in 2024, stopping in Seattle to film a 2nd KEXP studio performance.
A hiatus followed as mainstay ex-Tassie songwriter Sam took a break to become a dad and write the upcoming next album while pushing a pram and pointing at birds and planes. This next chapter features a new sound and new collaborators Shauna Boyle (Cable Ties, drums) and Thomas Skalicky (Little Island, bass), alongside a rotating cast of other friends on pianos, guitars and synths.
It's also Halloween at the pub! Costumes encouraged for those who dare. FREE ENTRY!
Skeleton Keys feature Josh Duiker (drums), Brendan McMahon (keys), Cal Walker (bass), Luke Sinclair (guitar) and Sean McMahon (pedal steel & guitar), joining together to share a microphone and a love of great Bob Dylan songs -- done their own way.
Last seen at the pub supporting Phil Jamieson, Ricky Albeck is stoked to announce his own headline tour with his band The Belair Line Band this November and December.
Tartanya/Adelaide “post-pub-rock” artist Ricky Albeck just shared his new single ‘Playing Pool and Drinking All Night’, a fun, noisy rocker with guitars so loud they’re feeding back. It's the first cut from second album, due out this year through Bedroom Suck.
‘Playing Pool and Drinking All Night’ features The Belair Line Band: Tom Spall (violin), Jackson Wright (bass), Alex Dearman (guitar), with the addition of Edo Ekic (Peter Bibby, Carla Geneve) on third guitar.
Ricky Albeck writes largely autobiographical songs steeped in metaphor and satire. Where he strives for sincerity above all, it’s his injection of humour that allows him to not take it all too seriously. This contradiction is the battle; it’s a delicate balance he finds more achievable through writing songs than being in day-to-day life, simply because of the added emotional context that music can provide.
With 15 years of skin in the game and the best songs and show of his career comes Jack Biilmann with album #6, 'Move the Mountains'.
Expect a flowing narrative from the perspective of a man in his mid-thirties navigating the life-altering changes and challenges typical of this period. Themes of the outlaw state of mind, introspection, heartbreak, helplessness, betrayal, disappointment, love & appreciation weave through a neat 10-track LP.
Biilmann’s signature vocal soar & guitar mastery remain prominent, supported by his loyal band: Jono Warren (drums), Pat Quinn Quirke (guitar) & Alec Coulson (Bass). Their creative input has elevated Biilmann’s writing and live show to the highest point of his career.
Catch them free in the front bar, with Buddy Dingo supporting!
Australian singer songwriter John Kennedy of JFK and the Cuban Crisis and Love Gone Wrong fame, returns from Europe for an east coast tour this summer! After relocating to Berlin, band mate Moe Jakach and Kennedy produced 3 songs dubbed the Berlin trilogy - a nod to Bowie’s Berlin years - at Rocking Chair studios.
At Tanswells Hotel Friday the 4th December John Kennedy and the New Originals will play songs from the Berlin Trilogy (and Other Collaborations) album which is available on I-94 Bar Records. Kennedy’s Urban and Western hits will also be heard plus his new music memoir, Have Songs, Will Travel.
Nadia Reid returns to Australia this December for an extensive tour. Now based in Manchester, UK, Nadia has recently finished recording her fifth studio album in New York. She'll be joined by her longtime guitarist and producer Sam Taylor.
Come and celebrate the end of the year with Nadia and Tom. A few new songs, plenty of old ones, and long, warm summer evenings. And don't miss support act Kris Mizzi!
what’s on
Every Second Tuesday
Back Band Room / Free Entry
Put your general knowledge to the test at Tanswells Trivia - a little bit cheeky, a lot of laughs and always a good night out!
Join us every second Tuesday of the month in the Back Band Room. Grab a feed, bring a team or jump in and join a table — everyone’s welcome.
With free entry, loads of prizes and plenty of laughs along the way, you’ll be in good company with Lex, The Prof and Dangerous Dave.
First Thursday of the Month
Back Band Room / Free Entry
Jamswells is Tanswells Hotel’s regular community jam session and open music night, bringing local musicians and music lovers together for a relaxed night of live music, good company and a bit of fun.
Originally established way back in the 1970’s as the Free and Sleezy, the next generation of local muso’s and singers now carry the torch with Jamswells, a monthly semi curated jam session space where they support local, emerging and retired musicians, giving everyone a chance to get up, play, sing, collaborate and share their love of live music. Whether you’re a seasoned performer, just starting out or simply there to listen and enjoy, Jamswells is all about keeping live music alive and kicking.
First Sunday of the Month
Front Bar / From 3pm
Open Mic Sundays at Tanswells Hotel give local and emerging musicians the chance to take the stage, try something new and share their music with a friendly crowd.
Grab a drink, settle in and enjoy an afternoon of live tunes in the Front Bar. Whether you’re picking up the mic or cheering from the sidelines, everyone’s welcome.
Every Second Tuesday
Back Band Room / Free Entry
Put your general knowledge to the test at Tanswells Trivia - a little bit cheeky, a lot of laughs and always a good night out!
Join us every second Tuesday of the month in the Back Band Room. Grab a feed, bring a team or jump in and join a table — everyone’s welcome.
With free entry, loads of prizes and plenty of laughs along the way, you’ll be in good company with Lex, The Prof and Dangerous Dave.
First Thursday of the Month / Upstairs or in the band room / From 7:30pm / $10 entry
Sing songs, make friends and enjoy a beer
Pub Choir brings people together for a fun, relaxed night of singing, laughter and good times. No experience needed — just turn up, join in and have a sing!
Every Second Tuesday
Back Band Room / Free Entry
Put your general knowledge to the test at Tanswells Trivia - a little bit cheeky, a lot of laughs and always a good night out!
Join us every second Tuesday of the month in the Back Band Room. Grab a feed, bring a team or jump in and join a table — everyone’s welcome.
With free entry, loads of prizes and plenty of laughs along the way, you’ll be in good company with Lex, The Prof and Dangerous Dave.
First Thursday of the Month / Upstairs or in the band room / From 7:30pm / $10 entry
Sing songs, make friends and enjoy a beer
Pub Choir brings people together for a fun, relaxed night of singing, laughter and good times. No experience needed — just turn up, join in and have a sing!
FUNCTION & EVENTS
WANT TO BOOK A FUNCTION AT TANSWELLS?
From birthday parties to corporate events, intimate dinners to unique wedding spaces and much more, Tanswells is your ideal event venue. Talk to our team to explore how we can customise our venue to meet your specific needs.