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We
are a gay
venue
catering for gay
men
and their
friends.
NOW
IN OUR 22nd YEAR!
The Xchange opened as an ALL GUYS
bar on October 1, 1986.
Back then there was a need, south of the Yarra river*, for a Gay
bar 7 nights a week.
The venue opened with 2 Bars & a Restaurant
with a sophisticated large Screen Video entertainment system
with in-house Music\Video productions, controlled by our
regular House DJ/VJ's, that have remained a unique feature
of the Xchange right up to today. The hotel bar atmosphere
has welcomed many a traveller and is always frequented from noon
daily right through to close. There is a group of loyal regulars
who call the Xchange home and have been coming to the bar
since 1986. Kevin Attwood ( co-owner with John Nolan )says
that the Bar is the heart of the Xchange."The
late night crowds and entertainment may change over time, but
warm & friendly bar service is our top priority every day".
At
the end of 1989, Kevin made the decision to bring a Drag Show
called LeGore's Backyard to
the Xchange on Sunday nights. The show featured Kerrie LeGore, a Melbourne Icon
of Drag, special guests and weekly video segments filmed in Melbournian's
backyards!. The phenomenal success of LeGore's
Backyard changed the Xchange forever. Kevin
& Kerrie cemented their creative relationship by introducing
a second show on Thursdays called the
LIPSTIX. This group show featured another Mega Star
of Drag, Miss Candee and a new Diva discovery Miss Doreen
Manganini. We relaxed our male only policy to allow Guys to
bring girls in for the shows. Although we have a % of female patrons
now, we are still predominately a men's venue and all our efforts
go toward maintaining the Xchange as a premier Gay experience.
Our restaurant "Buddy's" closed in 1992 when
many new cafes and other Gay friendly food establishments opened
up in Commercial road. We thought we'd concentrate on the bar
and entertainment side to compliment the new multi-faceted gay
strip that was developing in South Yarra. From 1990 until today
the Xchange has featured every drag performer in Melbourne
at one time of another. From Jennifer
Anne Wells LIVE! Over Melbourne to Lucy
Loosebox's ANYTHING GOES! (now in it's 14th year) From
Hey Hey it's Dulcie featuring
the enduring ( very enduring ) Dulcie
Du Jour, the Dynamic duo
& the Cover Girls to today's
SPICED GIRLS & SAVAGE
the legacy continues with shows now running Wednesday
thru to Sunday each week from 10.30pm.
In January 2000 the Xchange was devastated by fire. Fortunately
no one was injured. Kevin and John pushed on quickly and although
the venue was closed by the fire, it reopened with the Main bar
only (about 1/3 of it's capacity) in just 2 weeks! It took 10
months to rebuild the entire venue which was relaunched on November
22, 2000.
Upgraded facilities including a new Public bar with pooltable, Multi-screen video with FM tuners for individual listening, the "Coolest" Air-conditioning system in Melbourne, an invalid toilet & a new grand corner entrance welcoming you every day from noon. The Chillout Lounge provides a relaxed atmosphere where you can take time out and watch the shows, music/video etc on a giant video screen above the fire place (which no good lounge should be without!) We have 4 X High speed Internet stations for you to chat or surf the Net and of course the games area with pinball's and video games. Then there is the Show Room & Dance bar. With a new larger stage and a full size Dance area you can now party right through to late on Show nights and on special events.
In 2007 we added a new dimention and a new level to the Xhange. Our new RoofTop has been a resounding success since June. With Victorian smoking laws now banning smoking indoors, our new roof top garden gives smokers a space to maintain the habit and for other a chance to sit unde the Melbourne Stars and watch the world (read trade!) go by.
The Dance area and Show room were significantly upgraded for our 21st birthday in 2007 and renamed "THE XONE". Now you are in the Xone engulfed by music, video and shows all in Dolby Digital surround.
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