The Kelvin Club is a private club tucked away in the middle of Melbourne. First established in 1865, it has been on this site in Melbourne Place since 1924. It has a billiards room, fine dining, a bar and a function room – and the feel is trad gentlemen's club (women were only allowed to join as of 1997) meets hunting lodge and general's office. (Be sure to salute the Queen – naturally her portrait hangs on the wall.)
With numbers dwindling, the club in 2013 turned to the czar of bars, Jerome Borazio, to take over its management. Now the Kelvin Club is still members-only, but has relaxed its approach to dress code and puts on gigs that are open to all. Membership is from $550 per anum.