In the early hours of yesterday morning there was a very serious fire in the restaurant next door to Melbourne Venue, Ding Dong Lounge. Initial reports from The Age suggested that damage to the club were not too severe, however today Ding Dong Lounge posted a message on their website stating that the venue would have to cancel upcoming gigs and remain closed until repairs could be completed.
Friends of Ding Dong,
Around 2.15am on Wednesday 29th June 2011 our favourite German restaurant and neighbor in Market Lane, Hofbrauhaus, caught fire as a result of what appears to be an electrical fault.
Although fire crews were quick to respond, the fire and resulting smoke had already caused some minor damage to Ding Dong. After inspecting the bar later that day it became apparent that we were not going to be able to resume trading until the damage had been repaired.
All gigs have been cancelled until further notice, except for Steve Kilbey (The Church) & Ricky Maymi (Brian Jonestown Massacre) which has been moved to our sister bar, Cherry in AC/DC Lane, on the same date Friday 8th July 2011. Tickets purchased for this gig will be valid at Cherry. You should seek refunds for all other gigs from the point of purchase.
We wish our friends at Hofbrauhaus a speedy recovery and look forward to enjoying their fantastic smoked sausages in the future (although not too smoky). We also hope you all will return to see the new and improved Ding Dong when we reopen our doors soon. In the words of AC/DC – Let There Be Rock!
Fortunately, both the bar and restaurant were closed and no one was injured in the blaze which has caused more than $500,000 worth in damages to the building.
