GH ready to sparkle anew
This year has seen a dramatic change in landscape for gay venues in Melbourne, with the forthcoming closure of The Market, the renovation of the Xchange, new ownership of Libation and rumours of other prominent drinking holes being quietly put up for sale.
Now it’s The GH in St Kilda’s turn at reinvention with the grand reopening of its newly renovated premises on Saturday, May 14.
The venue (formerly known as the Greyhound Hotel) had entered the final stages of its makeover in February after opening the new showroom bar and then beginning work on the showroom itself. The renovations meant a temporary downsizing of the Classic Saturday Night shows for the last few months, which saw the cast perform in the front bar.
GH manager Damian Price told the Star Observer it’s been an interesting transitional period, but that it was all for the good of the hotel.
“Most people have seen the progress but no one’s really seen upstairs yet, so that’s kind of nice,” he said.
“There’s a really funky bar upstairs with an extra VIP section and we’ve spent close to $1 million on light and sound to blow the punters away.”
The official launch night for the brand new GH will be a special edition of its Classic Saturday Night event and includes two big shows that Price said the Classics — Paris, Millie, Laura, Nova and the boys — had been working hard on. There will also be a midnight surprise show, which he said will be a taste of something new. DJ Mark Robbo will provide tunes for the evening.
In regards to the health of gay clubs and bars in Melbourne, Price said he wasn’t fazed by the perceived tumultuous period.
“I think it has only been good for us, actually. The GH is a pretty constant venue, people have always supported us and I’ve always believed the people have made this place.
“The venue might change, get newer, and the carpet might not stick to your feet, but at the end of the day it’s the people who come here who give it its atmosphere.”
Pre-sale tickets to the GH Hotel reopening are available at the venue for $20, with VIP booths also for sale.
info: Visit www.ghhotel.com.au or contact GH on 03 9534 4189 to arrange ticket purchasing.
