‘Stolen not saved’: Bitter fallout over new chapter at the ‘Gaso’ Hotel
The popular Gasometer Hotel in Collingwood has come under fire, after its former operator James Martelletti accused the landlord of selling him short — and branding the venue’s reboot a “shady imitation.”
Renowned chef and restaurateur Scott Pickett recently took over the leasehold of the beloved Smith Street venue, vowing to keep its live music roots alive. But Martelletti, who ran the pub until its March closure, is not impressed with how the changeover unfolded.
“Probably a little easier to establish a business when you start by stiffing the previous owners out of around $250k,” he posted Wednesday night on The Gasometer’s Instagram, which he still controls.
Pickett claimed his team’s attempts to sell the business to another party were blocked by the landlord, forcing them into liquidation and laying off staff. “This is no longer the Gaso, this is a cheap shady imitation who have decided to shit on its legacy instead of support it. Stolen not saved.”
Martelletti admitted he doesn’t own the Gaso’s trademark but said he felt compelled to “shame them for attempting to steal our goodwill off us with zero compensation.”
He signed off by urging fans to support other Melbourne live music venues like The Tote and Leadbeater Hotel instead.
But property owner Jim Kurtulus, who runs multiple Melbourne pubs with his brother John, has hit back.
“That is a load of shit,” Kurtulus said. “How can you sell a business when there is no lease? Who is going to buy it?”
According to him, Martelletti had initially moved to a 12-month lease before asking to switch to a month-by-month arrangement — something the landlord refused.
“It is not a residential premises, it is a commercial lease,” he said.
Pickett declined to wade into the spat, saying it was a matter between the former lessee and landlord. Known for venues like Estelle and Smith Street Bistro, Pickett is refurbishing the Gaso with his son Harry and reopening in stages. The front bar is already pouring pints again, while the back room is being prepped for comedy nights, open mics and live music.
First licensed in 1861, the Gasometer has been a staple of Melbourne’s music scene, hosting acts like Jet and the Saints.
Its temporary closure earlier this year fed concerns about the pressures facing live venues, from rising insurance costs to soaring utility bills.
Jonathan Jackson, 4th August 2025
