Changes at the Xchange

The Xchange Hotel’s Kevin ‘Alice’ Attwood really knows how to make birthday celebrations larger than life.

The owner of the South Yarra gay venue celebrated in style at the weekend, with festivities at the bar including an appearance by famous blonde bombshell Pamela Anderson.

The former glamour model and actress has been a regular visitor to Australia, including appearances in reality series such as the local production of Big Brother. This time she was in town to be part of the opening episode of Australia’s Dancing With The Stars, after the Baywatch babe made it to the final six of the US version.

Canadian-born Anderson took to the stage at the Xchange on Saturday night and stuck around to sign autographs for delighted fans while regular act, the Spiced Girls, kept the entertainment going with their stage shows GA.GA.SO.FA.and Glee. A scantily-clad surprise was also in store for the birthday boy when a stripper appeared at midnight.

It’s been a big month for the bar on the Commericial Rd gay strip. The launch of their X-Factor talent search has seen great success and a diverse range of entries. The grand finale, which will see one entrant receive the $1000 grand prize, will be in the coming weeks. The semi-final was held on Friday night.

The hotel has also announced it’s changing its door policy. Virtual Freedom FREE is the name of their new promotion — launched alongside Attwood’s birthday celebrations. Patrons will now only have to pay a $5 cover charge, and that will include a $5 drink voucher.

The venue has long been a major supporter of drag talent in Melbourne, with regular patrons familiar with the extra production time that goes into the construction of the weekly acts.

info: The Xchange Hotel is at 119 Commercial Rd, South Yarra.