The Butterfly Club

The Butterfly Club Review

Review By Heather Bloom

As you enter the terraced former shop front of The Butterfly Club in South Melbourne you may have the sensation that you are Alice in Wonderland about to trip down the rabbit hole. Within the kitsch labyrinth there is the illusion of a grown-ups doll house, complete with toys and exotic knickknacks from every corner of the globe. The cozy cluttered atmosphere allows patrons to curl up in one of the many antique lounges and gossip the night away, in fact the entire club encourages debauchery and promises to keep your most wicked of secrets.

A Melbourne cabaret institution, the club has been in operation for twelve years, and brings in all types from bohemians to business men. The lively atmosphere and top class performances keep the venue's two floors and courtyard at maximum capacity.

Credited for introducing the world to stars Tim Minchin and Eddie Perfect, The Butterfly Club continues to hold performances with Melbourne's most talented comedians, actors, singers and artists on a weekly basis. Open 5pm till late Tuesday through to Sunday you are in for a treat if you happen to catch a show (check the website for upcoming performances) or grab a drink from the bar.

Entry to the club is free and most performances range from $17 for concession to $27 for full price. If cabaret isn't your forte you can still enjoy a quiet drink at the well stocked bar or head upstairs and wile away the evening in style.

An extensive collection of spirits, beers, and wine is available and the bar staff are only too happy to meet your requests. A brief explanation of your preferred tastes the barkeep will whip you up a martini or cocktail to make your head spin and your feet dance. All drinks are reasonably priced with beers at $7 and cocktails hitting the $17 mark. There is always a drink special, so be prepared for some lethal sangria or a fluffy pink cocktail to keep you on your toes.

So Alice, if you're happy to slip down the rabbit hole and join in an adventure you may very well have your own tea party and even meet a mad hatter or two.