Four-month rehab for gay super pub

The Imperial Hotel will likely close for four months from early next month as all three bars at the landmark gay venue are renovated at once.
Some of the hotel’s notable stars and fundraising events will move to Arq during this period while the 13-year run of Priscilla will finally get a break.
Owner Shadd Danesi said the exact dates were still being determined, but would be advertised soon so patrons would not unexpectedly find their favourite pub out of action.
The community has been extremely supportive when the Imperial was having a difficult time getting the renovations approved, Danesi said.
Ultimately it would be easier to do all the renovations at once, he said, rather than inconveniencing everybody with a drawn-out process.
I want to see a huge reopening as a super pub, resident drag host Mitzi Macintosh said.
Even though the long-running Priscilla show will take a holiday, Macintosh will not miss out, instead taking the Tuesday-night ACON fundraiser Bingay on the road.
At the moment it looks like it’s going to Arq, Macintosh said. It’s a great chance for those who live in the city and haven’t had the chance to be part of it.
We’re always packed. Maybe at Arq we can spread it out a bit and give people some elbow room -“ ’cause it’s a serious game.
And the payoff for short-term close? A spruced-up social and drag entertainment venue, a gala reopening and maybe something for the rest of the community too.
I would see the new Imperial raising funds for various other charitable organisations within the gay community, Danesi said.
The community has always supported the Imperial, so we want to support the community.