The Imperial Hotel
This venue features three bars in one--cabaret, cellar, and Priscilla. The Imperial is a great location to visit if you want to catch a drag show, just be warned that this is a popular bar, so it's usually pretty packed. The opening scenes of the movie "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert," were shot on location.
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Reviews
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A Sydney institution
The Impy has been around for years and after recently going through a makeover is back! The main public bar is free to get in with a couple of pool tables and lots of gay boys and lesbians to share a drink with. The back bar is where the drag shows are performed and has a cover charge which varies depending on the night you are there. The downstairs bar, although not as well patronized as the other bars is much better from my point of view. Overall, the Impy is great but their drink prices tend to be a bit high. They do have a Sunday arvo drinks special which is very popular. The downstairs bar is regularly used for theme parties which always go off! :)
The Home of Honey
The underground bar at the Imperial is now the home of Honey - Sydney's newest party for bears & cubs. Funky house & spunky men. www.ilikehoney.com.au or www.facebook/honeysydney
Neighbourhood bar at a premium price
One of the most balanced venues in Syd, with a healthy mix of gay boys and lesbians, and its ever present drag culture. But playing on its Priscilla heritage, it charges $15 just to get into the drag bar and downstairs nightclub (there is a free public bar which is usually packed) - then hefty prices for drinks after that. Upstairs dance floor is usually drink-sticky. Downstairs is better maintained - and less popular. The drag shows are fine, but you can see better at Midnight Shift for free.
The old girl is back.
Now reopened great new decor and same mixed crowd which always made the Imperial a nice change from Oxford St. Definitely a landmark of gay Sydney history worth checking out.
it's reopened!
After a few years of renovations the Imperial has reopened. as chaotic as ever. good dhows albeit more expensive but a better option than dragging myself to Oxford St Meat Market...