The Laird

Leather and bear pub · Melbourne Abbotsford

An unpretentious pub atmosphere, leather, bears and a clear men-only policy: The Laird in Abbotsford is one of Australia’s most established gay pubs and even has guest rooms.

• ★ 4.6 on Google (213)
• men only
• Leather and bears
• Guest rooms

Address

149 Gipps Street
Abbotsford VIC 3067, Melbourne

Opening hours

Tue 6–11 pm
Wed–Sat 6 pm–midnight
Sun 4–10 pm, Mon closed

Crowd

Men, mostly 40+, leather guys, bears and regulars

Flirt factor

medium to high, at weekends

Programme

Sunday Social on Sunday afternoons
regular theme nights such as Underwear, Spit and Polish and Trivia Hirsute
Laird Leatherman contest and A Week of Leather once a year

What makes The Laird special

The Laird is in Abbotsford, a quiet neighbourhood east of the city centre, and has been an institution of the Australian leather and bear scene for decades. The pub sticks to a clear men-only policy and supports numerous community groups.

The calendar features changing theme nights, from underwear night and boot polishing at Spit and Polish to the annual Laird Leatherman contest. There are also simple guest rooms in the building.

Atmosphere and crowd

This is where leather guys, bears and men who prefer rough and down-to-earth to chic meet, many of them over 40. The atmosphere is like a family local, and newcomers are quickly drawn into conversation. It is busiest on Fridays and Saturdays; Sunday afternoon is cosier.

Contact

Editorially researched, as of October 2026. Sources: lairdhotel.com, Google reviews (4.6 stars, 213 reviews). Opening hours, prices and programme may change, please check before visiting.