Established in 2017, Hope St Radio began as a transient online radio station, essentially using various Naarm (Melbourne) locations as a live broadcast studio. Hope St Radio provided a platform of absolute freedom, allowing DJ’s, musicians and selectors a place to express themselves honestly and openly. Experimenting in the relationship between space and sound, giving agency to the artist rather than the consumer, challenging a culture of passive listening. Notable early guest presenters include Amp Fiddler (US, Funkadelic), Acid Mothers Temple (JAP), Anna Domino (US), Nubya Garcia (UK), Severed Heads, Chris Cohen (US), Banoffee, David Chesworth, Kllo, Oscar Key Sung, Harvey Sutherland, Sui Zhen, HTRK, Mikey Young, Andras + many more.
In 2018 Hope St Radio was nominated for Best New Online Radio station, and Best Online Radio Station in Asia/Pacific, in the Mixcloud Global Radio Awards.
Hope St Radio set down roots in the Collingwood Yards in 2021, in the form of a vibrant wine bar. Designed by Peter F Cole, the old school mechanics institute was transformed into a bright, playful space with hand painted murals and poured resin benchtops. Furniture was made by local designers Pop & Scott & Steelotto and a custom Klipsch Khorn sound system installed by Hot Wax Sound System. Hope St Radio was shortlisted in the 2021 Eat Drink Design Awards in both Bar & Restaurant categories.
The kitchen is led by rising star Ellie Bouhadana and features a seasonal, produce driven menu which reflects her Moroccan Jewish heritage. Ellie is currently working on her debut cookbook out via Hardie Grant publishing in early 2023. Natural wine illuminates the bar and is the primary focus of the 200+ bottle list.
In 2021 The Good Food Guide awarded Hope St Radio ⅘ stars and described Ellie’s food as an “archetypal mama embrace that holds you at arm's length to appreciate you, pulls you in for a huge squeeze, then steps back again to check you're really this beautiful.”
In 2022 The Age Good Food Guide awarded Hope st radio a coveted “chefs hat” and a restaurant score of 15/20. 2022 also saw Timeout Magazine award Hope St Radio the “third coolest bar in the world”. In December 2022 pop sensation Dua Lipa listed Hope St Radio as her number one place to visit in Australia.
Hope St Radio currently operates/live broadcasts Thursday-Sunday and serves around 800 guests per week.