Greyhound Hotel (GH)
Editorial
Being something of a gay institution in Melbourne, The Greyhound (or GH as it's known now) has long kept many a drag queen working in wigs - even when drag seemed to be on the way out. But like an ageing 80's pop star, The Hound gave itself a complete facelift and has made a resounding comeback. During the renovations a year ago, the new owners took over the entire venue - sadly dispensing with the dirty old public bar that once hosted local bands - and gave the exterior a minimal, streamlined look, replete with neon strip lighting (I did say '80s) that actually shows up the original art deco building quite well.
Inside, the former rabbit warren feel of the place has gone, and the venue has been opened up into three distinct areas. It's now much easier to get from the Front Bar, which has more of an 80's club lounge feel to it, and the main Show Room out back, which is much larger and has a good-sized dance floor and stage where most of the action takes place. In between is a spacious courtyard with plenty of tables, and heaters for winter, and where you are guaranteed being hit up for a 'spare cigarette' from the multitude of social smokers who seem to come out of a weekend.
It's the drag shows at The Greyhound that are famous - or perhaps infamous - but in either case, they're impressive, sometimes scary, and see costumes taken to extraordinary heights. Celebrity drag hostesses like Paris and featured guests like Millie Minogue are the big drawcards on weekends, emceeing fabulous shows that have tongues so firmly planted in cheeks that you'd think everyone had a thing for gobstoppers.
The staff here are very friendly and chatty (unless they are packed under the pump in which case they resort to sign language). Even the security guards manage a smile every now and then. The drinks are standard pub fare so don't bother trying to order a cocktail, unless it's a quiet night in the Front Bar. The best thing about The Greyhound is its mixed crowd and distinct lack of pretension - it's always refreshing and (unlike the drag queens who are busy wigging up) you can let your hair down and just have fun.
Din Heagney, June 2010
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