In yet another blow for patrons of gay venues in Melbourne, Commercial Rd stable The Xchange Hotel has announced it is closing at the weekend.

Plans for the sudden closure were posted on Facebook and the venue’s website overnight, with a party called ‘The End’ to see of the 25-year-old venue this Saturday.

There has been speculation for months about the future of the bar and other gay venues along Commercial Rd after the closure of The Market.

DT’s in Richmond has also been sold in recent weeks, with no word on the future of the pub from the new owners.