History

The Laird O'Cockpen Hotel, built in 1847, is one of Melbourne's oldest hotels and has always been an important part of the local community in Abbotsford.

Like many hotels in Melbourne, The Laird has seen its share of owners and operators, some of whom were not necessarily on the right side of the law. The Laird was once famous as one of the meeting places for illegal gambling during the earlier part of the 20th century. Famous (or infamous) people such as Squizzy Taylor were once common visitors. At the same time, The Laird has been the birth site of some of Victoria's most treasured institutions. Doc Whitehead, a founder of some central Victorian social structures held many of his planning discussions over cool ales at The Laird. Being around the corner from the Town Hall and Police Station, next to the Masonic Lodge and four blocks from Victoria Park football ground, The Laird was a central component of Collingwood and Melbourne life.

In September 1980 The Laird changed hands. This time all the local and loyal supporters of the hotel found themselves in for a challenge. The Laird went GAY.

The 80's

Because of the strong links to the local community it was decided that the hotel would be divided into two separate areas.

The public bar remained as the local bar for the long-standing local community, while the Back Bar was redesigned to reflect the taste and style of the new clientele. Over the next two years The Laird emerged as the major venue for men in Melbourne. The hotel policy was to attract the element in the gay community that was tired of "Drag shows" and "Discos" and preferred to drink in a hotel environment with men.

The decor of the hotel was masculine, featuring a western theme with a horseman as the hotel logo. Local clubs catering for the masculine end of the gay community made it their home. The SCMC (Southern Cross Motor Club), Jackaroos and Cruisers Motorcycle Club were all centred on The Laird. In 1988 the public bar was redesigned to become "Nuggets Bar" a bar dedicated to the leather and motor club community. Despite its new focus and décor, many members of the local community continued to use The Laird as an early evening meeting place, sometimes creating a very interesting mix of clientele!!

The 90's

The 80's established The Laird as Australia's most famous "Mans hotel" and the 90's further cemented it in Australian gay culture. With close links to other Leather/Denim bars worldwide, the hotel soon became the first stop for many international tourists. The Laird became known globally as the place for gay men to stay in Melbourne.

In 1998 The Laird took the unprecedented step of applying to the Anti Discrimination Board to become the only "Male Only" hotel in Victoria. While many considered this to be an impossible goal, The Laird put forward its case based on its long history of service to the gay community and its position as a social centre for Melbourne and visiting gay men. The ADB recognised the importance of the hotel to the gay community in Melbourne and the exclusion was granted, paving the way for other venues in future.

2000 and beyond

To remain a friendly meeting place for gay men is still the primary focus. The hotel attracts a masculine yet varied crowd ranging from Leather Men through to Bears and the average 'man off the street'. There are a wide range of special events that make sure that there is always something interesting happening.

The addition of the Cub Bar at the rear of the Back Bar was a fantastic improvement, ensuring easy access to drinks while remaining in the beer garden. While The Laird continues to modernise and improve, you can rely on the venue to provide the same friendly environment as it always has.