A Potted History
 Thomas Manallack built the Cornish Arms Hotel in the early 1850s. The original building was located on a portion of a large block in Brunswick (in the same spot as today), purchased with money made in the Victorian goldfields. In 1854 Manallack was registered as the first licensee of the hotel and remained as licensee until he died in 1891.
The Cornish Arms was the venue for the first meeting of the new municipality of Brunswick, held on 29 October 1857. Meetings continued to be held there and also at the Wesleyan Chapel until the Brunswick Town Hall was constructed in 1876.
Much of the building was destroyed by fire in its early years, however it was soon rebuilt with its current façade.
The hotel has undergone many changes throughout the years. In early times, the Cornish gained a reputation of being a rough establishment. It was the hangout of two of the most formidable mobs in Brunswick.
Prior to World War One, a gang known as The Hungry 72s – so called because a local Constable always saw them "scoffing pies outside the Cornish Arms Hotel and nicknamed them ‘hungry’ in spite of their thirst for a fight". (Brunswick: One History, Many Voices). The gang – or push – became so popular they limited their numbers to 72 members. When World War One began, the H72s joined up to fight the Germans. At the end of the war, with 16 killed in battle, the returning Hungrys didn’t reform.
The Brunswick Laurels were the next mob of notorious types to hang around the Cornish. The Laurels played football – but were better known for their fighting, rather than football – skills on the ground.
But times have changed in Brunswick and no longer is the suburb a hangout for rough types, nor is the Cornish Arms their watering hole. As Brunswick becomes one of Melbourne's major hubs for live music and entertainment, the Cornish Arms Hotel is being embraced as one of Melbourne's premier venues.
As a quiet retreat during daylight hours, or a lively music venue after dark, with dinner and show options for special nights out, the Cornish Arms is, for Brunswick, a sophisticated venue.
The New Cornish Arms
Caroline Moore, Matt Sheridan, Joan Sheridan and Brian Wood bought the Cornish in March 2000 and in May closed for renovations. Over the next six months the venue was totally transformed and it reopened on 6 December 2000.
Since re-opening, The Cornish has featured a variety of national and international acts and the venue has gained a reputation for being one of the places to play in Melbourne.
Caroline and Matt make a great team. Matt, the official publican, organises all the day-to-day running of the venue. Caroline, who has many years' experience in the music and entertainment industry, organises the hotel's live music and events.
There’s also a strong local community who gather ‘round the pool table through the week and add to its character.
If you have any stories about The Cornish over the years, please email them to us at info@cornisharms.com.au.
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