Melbourne's Savage Club, one of Australia's oldest men-only private clubs, will begin a six-month trial allowing 'lady guests' to dine on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This decision, announced by president David McCubbin, is a response to falling attendance and the cost-of-living crisis, which has made dining room usage 'uneconomic.' While only 2% of members supported admitting women as full members, there was interest in increasing female guests. The move follows past controversies over the club's men-only policy and similar debates in other private clubs globally, such as London's Garrick Club.
Melbourne’s Savage Club to allow ‘lady guest’ diners as cost of living strikes men-only haven
MelbourneAustraliaGenderCost-of-living crisis
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Melbourne's Savage Club, one of Australia's oldest men-only private clubs, will begin a six-month trial allowing 'lady guests' to dine on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This decision, announced by president David McCubbin, is a response to falling attendance and the cost-of-living crisis, which has made dining room usage 'uneconomic.' While only 2% of members supported admitting women as full members, there was interest in increasing female guests. The move follows past controversies over the club's men-only policy and similar debates in other private clubs globally, such as London's Garrick Club.
Trending- 1 Julian Burnside quit the club in 2019
- 2 Survey of members conducted last year (2024)
- 3 Committee meeting on June 19, 2025, resolved to implement trial
- 4 Six-month trial period commences July 1st (2025)
- 5 Garrick Club in London lifted its men-only rule last year (2024)
- Increased revenue and attendance for the Savage Club's dining rooms
- Potential shift in the club's long-standing men-only tradition
- Continued debate about gender exclusivity in private clubs
What: Melbourne's Savage Club, a men-only private club, will allow 'lady guests' to dine on specific days for a six-month trial period.
When: Trial commences July 1st (2025); committee meeting on June 19, 2025; survey conducted last year (2024); Julian Burnside quit in 2019; Garrick Club lifted men-only rule last year (2024).
Where: Melbourne, Australia; Bank Place (Savage Club's home).
Why: The club's dining room usage has diminished due to the cost-of-living crisis, making it uneconomic and dispiriting for staff. Allowing female guests is an attempt to increase attendance and revenue.
How: The club's committee resolved to implement a six-month trial period after noting diminished dining room usage and untapped potential for members to bring female guests.