The infamous nightclub Bar1 in Hillarys, Perth, is just days away from shutting its doors for the last time. In an Instagram post announcing the closure on May 2, Bar1 said it had “never just been a nightclub”.
A Home for Party Generations
“It’s been a home for generations of party people,” the post read. “In the last five years alone, nearly one million people have walked through those doors and created memories they’ll talk about forever. That’s something you can’t manufacture. May 2 — we say goodbye.”
History and Reputation
Boasting performances from international artists like Ne-Yo, Nelly, and Darude, Bar1 — rebranded from its former name Bar120 — has remained a popular destination for younger crowds over its three-decade-long history. However, it has also garnered a reputation as a haunt for young eshays and other unruly characters.
The Red Sneaker Ban
The club famously banned red sneakers to target a “certain style of person” attending its venue. “Unfortunately quite often when (patrons) are asked to leave, a large percentage of the time they have red shoes on,” Bar1 Nightclub owner Malcolm Pages said at the time.
Since the announcement, patrons have flooded social media with nostalgic memories and tributes to the iconic venue. Many have shared stories of wild nights, celebrity sightings, and the unique atmosphere that made Bar1 a staple of Perth’s nightlife scene. The closure marks the end of an era for Hillarys and the broader Perth entertainment landscape.
