Iconic Melbourne gay bar The Laird up for sale
Image: The Laird Hotel in Abbotsford, Melbourne, is one of Australia's longest-running gay venues.
THE Laird, one of Australia’s longest-running gay bars, has announced that its premises is up for sale.
In a website and Facebook post last night, The Laird’s operators announced that the property will go under the hammer during an on-site auction on Thursday, June 25.
While the announcement also stated that The Laird “will continue to trade as normal”, the property advertisement indicates that new owners could potentially redevelop the pub.
The Laird’s operators have clarified in comments on the Facebook post that the business itself is not for sale.
The Laird is one of Australia’s longest-running men-only gay bars, catering to the leather, bear and alternative crowd.
The pub also provides accommodation and hosts several unique parties and events, including the infamous Midsumma Mooning and charity fundraiser Northside Bizarre.
Australia’s longest-running HIV and AIDS health organisation, the Victorian AIDS Council (VAC), was also founded at The Laird. On July 12, 1983, around 70 people packed the hotel to debate and pass a motion to establish Victorian AIDS Action Committee — the beginnings of VAC.
Today, The Laird is the official home of VicBears, VicLeather and Melbourne Leather Men. The pub also supports community groups such as the VAC and gay-friendly rugby union club Melbourne Chargers.
The building itself was built in 1847, making it one of Melbourne’s oldest hotels. However, it wasn’t until 1980 that the pub became purely gay-centric.
This story is developing. More updates to come.
Karina Harcourt
Kate van der Linden
Let me get my purse…..
That would be awesome.
And the people in Darwin have never heard of it
Obviously Darwinians have never been either here or out..
Speak for yourself. Have stayed there on 3 occasions. Great place!
Travis we gotta go
Warren Savage
Omg Gavin, Jason, Aaron!
Gee!
Daniel Whittaker
Time for the community to pull together, create and association and buy the place.
Never heard of it.
… and yet you think its a great investment. First sign of a great property strategist – look at the numbers first
What it’s a Melbourne gay institution
I have a life soz
It is a gay icon – KEEP IT!
It’s actually really good investment not just the rent return but also the capital investment return
Zachary Squires-Spratling
Adrian Bilby looking for an investment?
Wow
Paul Sharman this is for you! :)
maybe after the current dust settles!!
Mike Walter Nguyen :(
Great idea Kirk. This is such an iconic place and must be retained
Based on a 6% return its a $2mil buy, 20 people at $100k each should buy it, and at a $12k per annum return better than bank interest. Someone want to set up a Syndicate for a SMSF?
Keeps the property in the communities hands …
I may be interested if this comes to fruition..