As I wandered home today, I reflected briefly on the sorely-missed Hopetoun Hotel. It must be four or five years now, or maybe longer, since it closed. What was once a vibrant live music venue, has remained empty ever since. Without use and maintenance, you can imagine the lovely old building is starting to decay. Hopefully one day it will re-open in another form. I mean, we’re in desperate need of some more wine bars and coffee shops in Surry Hills.