Welcome to the Imperial Hotel, an iconic venue within the Australian Lesbian, Gay, Transgender & Bisexual community.
We are a state of the art facility that's mission is to:
"Cater to the local and international L.G.T.B communities by offering exceptional live entertainment, top line DJ'S and compelling special events; all supported by service focused bar professionals. As a community focused venue we are committed to supporting local and national L.G.T.B charities."
Our Vision is:
"To entertain and inspire our community with uplifting performance and to reinvigorate the Sydney Gay, lesbian, Transgender & bisexual social scene"
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opening updates….
Hello,
It’s with great excitement we can now officially tell you The Imperial Hotel will be OPEN to the public Saturday 4th September,2010.
However on a very serious note, we at The Imperial Hotel wish to advise everyone that due to Council Condition there can be absolutely no queues on street level once the hotel is at full capacity.
We really hope everyone understands this as this is a requirement we have to strictly adhere to set out by Council and not us.
Opening Times: Saturday 4th September,2010
Public Bar opens at midday
Caberet Bar opens at 10.30pm (for shows)
Cellar Bar opens at 11.00pm
Look forward to seeing you all there.
Kind Regards,
Shadd Danesi
Kind Regards,
Shadd Danesi
Posted on Monday, August 30th, 2010 by The Imperial Hotel | 96 Comments »
hey, it’s the Glitterbox team we’re very excited for the opening of your bar..
goodluck with the last minute touch ups.
GLITTERBOX x
Hi Luke,
We have put a current update on the website last night to inform people about the bass noise. We will promise to do fortnightly(if not weekly) updates for all to see. Keep you posted.
Hi David,
We too would have loved to have seen it open for Easter but working out the bass noise shouldn’t take much longer now and once we find it we will let everyone know.
My name is Piter Jankovich. oOnly want to tell, that your blog is really cool
And want to ask you: is this blog your hobby?
P.S. Sorry for my bad english
Hi Piter,
Thanks for the very kind words. A lovely lady by the name of Belinda designs the website, her email address is: thatbelinda.com
Look forward to seeing you when the hotel opens.
Have been jumping on and off waiting to hear the answer to the ultimate question….. WHEN?
I will count down the days as to when this great occasion occurs!
xo
Hi D,
Thanks for your patience and will keep you posted towards the end of the week xo
I went to the imperial when I was young! it was great! fun interesting crowd! very Newtown/Erksinville. Had a community feel. I hope its not going to be a big expensive white elephant that people are going to stay away from. Lets not make it a a disappointing money making nightclub that crashs and dies when no one can afford to go…. or its taxi cabs to Oxford street again since there is nothing else in the area or a few drinks at the Bank!! Waiting and waiting and waiting with bated breath…. think I’m going to pass out waiting.
Hi Matt,
Thanks for the comment, we believe The Imperial will still have the same community feel but with better surroundings. When it’s opens please drop by and see for yourself if you think it’s a big white elephant because we haven’t spent all this time and effort into turning it into one. We have invested alot (not just money) into ensuring the Imperial is a success and we’re looking forward to seeing it open soon for all to enjoy.We can only hope you enjoy it as much as you did back then.Please let us know your feedback after opening.
I have been waiting with bated breath for the Imperial to open. I live in the area and miss being able to pop in for a drink. Or go out for a big night with friends when they come over for dinner. The Imperial was the first ever gay club I went so it brings alot of memories back. It has a much better feel than going out on the pink strip Oxford street. You say you will open at the end of this week. Please let me know if this is true will you be opening this Saturday.
Hi Greg,
We’re glad The Imperial Hotel means so much to you, however not sure where you heard that it will be open this week because it won’t be.There is just a little bit more of bass noise coming out and then we submit this to the council. Once they approve we can set the date.Hang in there because it won’t be that many more Saturdays you’ll have to wait until you have your drink and bring back those fond memories….
We (my partner & I) are so happy to hear our local is near completion and ready to open it’s colourful doors once again to it’s people. It’s been a long time coming and it will be a welcome relief to be able to pop in for a drink on the way home from work again. We should all really commend Shadd for his persistence and perseverance over the past couple of years, because with out him the good old Impy could have followed in the steps of her dearly departed sister (God rest her sole) the Newtown Hotel. Thans Shadd.. XXTM
Hi Darren,
What a welcoming comment and so much appreciated.We understand that everyone is getting frustrated and sick of hearing about the ongoing hurdles but we really are trying so hard to get it open as soon as possible. We look forward to having a drink with you and thank you again Darren ( and to all) for your support xxx
Terrific site, where did you come up with the information in this write-up? I’m glad I found it though, ill be checking back soon to see what other articles you have.
Hi Loren,
Thanks for your comments. The owner Shadd Danesi and his website leading lady Belinda contributes to all the articles posted on the site. On Monday we’ll post an update on how it’s all going and let you know what progress has been made over the last 2 weeks.
Really looking forward to the imperial opening back up. It has been a long wait but im sure it will be worth it. Any updates on the bass noise or reopening ?
Shadd
I am sure that I speak for the vast majority of the gay community when I say that we can’t wait for the doors to re-open. I spent many a night at the Imperial over the years. Just make sure that you get the right drag queens running the show bar (I know Mitzi is off to London) so have a word with Minnie or Kitty.
It will be jam packed every week Shadd. You will get your ROI. No thanks to that bitch in the council.
Hi Wayne,
Thanks very much for the help and I love your comments. Love Shadd xx
Hi Patrick,
Have just posted latest update on website. One more bar to go and off to the council. We’re on the home stretch now!!!! Thanks for your comments.
Just wanted to show my support and add to the numbers that are waiting patiently and with anticipation for the opening of the Imperial Hotel. I consider this a special and unique venue in that it was instrumental in helping me come out and feel a part of the community all those many moons ago. Hope that everything gets sorted out without too many more complications. Waiting with excitement and anticipation.
Keep pushing forward Shadd, nearly there now. We look forward to returning to the Imperial in the near future. I am disgusted at the way the council has treated you and acted to stymie and try to prevent a great development which will bring a great entertainment venue to Newtown to revitalise what used to be a thriving gay precinct. Council has the gall to assit other businesses to establish in the area, but the revamping of a venue, that has been in existence for more than a century, seems to be a thorn in their side.
Hi Shadd,
How long roughly would it take for council approval once you lodge your report?
Hi Greg,
Thanks for your lovely words. We really love hearing from people like you xx
Hi Phil,
Thanks for your comments. We’ll nearly there and look forward to having a beer with you!!
Hi Daniel,
It’s really up to the council how long it will take but it’s only a one page report they have to read and sign off. We would hope quick as possible and within the week but who knows how long they will take?
how did the testing of the last bar go, has the paer been logged to the council yet
Hi Greg,
Public Bar work in progress as we speak.Soon as this is done we’ll let everyone know and inform you all when we submit the report to council.
Hi Nicole,
Thank you for your valuable tips regarding the website. When the hotel is up and running we will focus more on the website and include some shows etc for viewing.At this stage we’re just happy to try and get it open! We really appreciate your help
This is a good blog post, I was wondering if I could use this post on my website, I will link it back to your website though. If this is a problem please let me know and I will take it down right away.
Hi Shadd,
Are we there yet. I walk past the imperial at least 4 times a day and we are chomping at the bit to come in for a beer. Do you think you will open in may ??
cheers
Would it be possible if I direct to this, from my webpage? I’m in need of help to collect as many pieces of good information as I am able.
I think it will be well worth the wait. I have seen the pictures and it all looks so nice !
And to think I voted for Clover Moore !!!
NEVER AGAIN…she is a f**king control freak. And dont get me started on the neighbours. I mean if you move next to a PUB expect a bit of noise. LOL
Cheers Andrew xx
Has the papers been sent to the council yet
Thanks Andrew for your comments. We have had a great deal of difficulty with council and to date the courts have agreed with all of our views. We can only hope when we open the door council will be more understanding. You are absolutley correct when people move into houses next to hotels with 24 hour licence they should expect some noise.However, we are doing our upmost to minimise any problems the neighbours may have.
Hi James,
Not yet. we have done the public bar and now have to remove 2 doors and get sound proof doors which will have to be hand made. After they are ready we can submit report. We will post a full report on the website Monday. Hang in there!
Hi Anton, no problems at all.
Hi Mark, if you see the doors open (which they will be because of the tradesmen) when you walk by pop in and ask for me and I’ll come down and show you what we are waiting on. Look forward to seeing you sometime next week or tomorrow?
Hi Kathryne, No problem at all.Glad you enjoy it.
hi Shadd,
What can I say.
Thank you for the walk through it is STUNNING, What you have done is worth it, I can not wait.
Thank you very much.
The cellar bar is to die for. I can see the response of every queen when they walk down those stairs, and the massive “OMG” as everyone sees the Cellar bar again. BRILLIANT, well worth the wait.
Thank you for the walk through.I appreciate it.
Regards
mark
It was my pleasure Mark.
Looking forward to taking my girl to the Impy. Many’s a night we’ve celebrated good news, commiserated sad news, or just enjoyed a gay time at the Impy.
Cant wait for the re-open. I hadnt been to the Imperial for a couple of years before it shut for renovations. Kicking myself I didnt as this whole thing has dragged on and on. Thanks guys for keeping at it and building a great club for our community- something newtown/erko really needs right now. I hope your neighbours get off your back after the re-opening as I know some people with no lives will be watching like hawks for the slightest slip up. Good luck with it all and I cant wait to have a beer at the new Imperial xoxox
Im looking forward to the opening because im not very comfortable at Oxford St. Good luck and hope to see you all soon.
I am so excited for this to be opening again and can’t wait to stroll home after a big night……Good bye Oxford St Cabs, hello Impy walking legs
Hi Alberto,
Thanks for your comments, once we are open we will include videos etc and ensure our website is so much more exciting. At this stage all I can think about is getting the doors open !!!
Hi Michael,
Thanks for your comments. We try our best to advertise in SX and SSO but sometimes we don’t have new news to tell. It’s just been an ongoing long process and we can now see the light at the end of the tunnel!!
Shadd,
I moved to London 3 years ago, and could not believe it when a friend recently mentioned that both the impy and the newtown hotel had closed. I’d visit the newtown about once every two weeks; but the impy being a hop sashay and a jete from my house was frequented regularly – to enjoy Bingay, the Thursday night late show, a friday drink, and a boogaloo on a saturday too.
So many wonderful (and safe) nights…. a walking distance to home that was always preferrable to the oxford street cab fare! Friendly bar staff, patrons who would actually smile and say hello (unlike obnoxious oxford street others), great shows, and kick ass tunes. That’s the impy I remember.
I’m moving back to Sydney in 6 months, and I can’t wait to order a schooner of New in the front bar. I thank you so much Shadd for your dedication to preserving this truly iconic place. So many would have given up already, but it is clear you truly understand the need for a venue such as the imperial within the Sydney scene. The love you have poured into the very bricks and mortar of the place will not go unnoticed – it may be in hiatus, but we have not forgotten.
I wish you all the very best of luck for the coming months, and I can’t wait to come back to the impy and remember why I should never have left.
David
P.S. Anyone know where Mitzi is performing in London???
Hi David,
Thanks for your positive email it’s lovely to hear and it encourages me to go on with this very long battle.Since Mitzi has just moved I’m unsure where she is but I will make a few phone calls and try and let you know where she is so you can catch up. Thanks again David for your encouraging words. Shadd
Hey Shadd, give the neighbours ear muffs n ear plugs..that should do the trick..if that dont work…i heard theres a real estate shortage…hook them up with a ray white rep…:)im sure they will have no shortage of buyers
Hey Shadd and Other Commenters,
Such good news about the testing finally happening.
The Impy was where I developed my love for going out and gettign to know people, where I met Mitz and where I got involved with Mardi Gras. Thursday night shows were a regular fixture and I’m looking forward to seeing the new gals strut their stuff in an awesome new venue.
Just want to say to everyone neighbour hating that a few months ago I moved across the road from the Impy and I cannot WAIT for the thing to open
Bring on everythign that comes with living next door to a pub, the proximity, the cheerfulness and the horde of cute boys.
Look forward to drinking with yall there.