The Laird Hotel

Suburb: Abbotsford

Address: 149 Gipps St

Type: Pub

The Laird Hotel, located in Abbotsford, is one of Australia’s longest-running gay-owned and operated venues, established in 1980. It features three bars and a large beer garden downstairs, with accommodation available upstairs. Historically, The Laird, alongside the former Club 80, was granted 'Male-only' status by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) in 1998, acknowledging its history and contribution to the gay community. While this status is largely maintained, the venue periodically opens its doors to the wider community for specific events like Men on Men Open Day and Northside Bizarre. Formerly known as "Melbourne's only bear and leather bar," The Laird has evolved into a space for same-sex attracted cis and trans males. It hosts a variety of regular events including an Underwear Party on the first Monday, a Pool Comp on Tuesdays, Trivial Hirsute on Wednesdays, Spit and Polish on Thursdays, Prime on Fridays, and Saturday Beat. The fourth Saturday features VicBears Den Night, and Sundays offer a Sunday Social.

Music: Open Format, DJ sets

Vibes: Queer, Community, Bear, Leather, Underwear Party, Social, Fun, Bingo