Universal has put its touch of flare on party palace The Imperial of Erskineville, revealing a revamped icon to burst back into the limelight.
The ‘jeujed’ dancing queen of the inner west has reportedly been painted “shades of fabulous” with new and expanded dining options and a new high-energy entertainment program, following its purchase by the family-owned group in June.
“The Imperial Hotel resonates with Universal Hotels’ strong connection to the LGBTQIA+ community,” Universal CEO Harris Kospetas told PubTIC.
First a hotel in 1880, the current Imperial Hotel was built in 1940 with a signature Art Deco frontage. But it wasn’t until 1994 when it truly became a pop culture icon when it featured in the international hit film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
Kospetas says they have kept things “simple and focused” in the public bar – a space where innovation meets tradition. The main focus is on entertainment, incorporating three stages across the main bar floor.
The entertainment line-up drove the changes, with the ‘jewel in the crown’ to be the new Saturday night show, The Priscilla Experience, celebrating the treasured Australian film that first put the pub on the map.
“We have infused fresh energy into this beloved space, through the diverse culture and devotion to performance, dance, and music.”
Entertainment continues with drag trivia on Wednesdays, ‘Tropic Like It’s Hot’ every Friday, Drag Bingo, Red Hot Sundays, and every night is a celebration courtesy of the daily Late Night Disco.
“We’ve created brand new shows to show off some of Sydney’s brightest drag talents – and put together shows with a uniquely inner west flavour,” says Etcetera Etcetera – local drag celebrity and curator of entertainment at The Imperial.
“Drawing inspiration from the Impy’s colourful past, but with new costumes, new stages, new wigs – our drag shows are brighter and sparklier than ever!”
The pub’s already popular ‘Drag & Dine’ experience has also evolved, no longer pitched to special occasions, now fostering an elevated local dining offering, jazzed up with live performances.
Serving a range of signature dishes incorporating familiar pub classics and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, a new menu has been curated by head chef Vaughan Chapman in collaboration with Universal’s group executive chef Dean Sammut. House specialties include touches of Mediterranean inspiration, with share plates and a focus on group dining.
And to top it off, the relaunched Imperial Rooftop has installed Sydney’s cult Pizza Bros to dish up their famous leopard crust pizzas, alongside a selection of beers, wines and cocktails.
The Imperial is also now in-step with the precinct, welcoming four-legged friends via open invitation.
“We have worked tirelessly towards embracing the venue’s incredible legacy and are thrilled to provide a refreshed and elevated experience for everyone who calls The Imperial their local,” adds Kospetas.
