Currently known as the Geebung Polo Club

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Kensington and Flemington became a part of the municipality of Essendon around 1862. Previous to this date they had been a part of the Parish of Doutta Galla, along with much of present day Ascot Vale. According to some local history texts, Doutta Galla  was the name given to the local aboriginal tribe by the European settlers around that time, however this information has proved unreliable and probably untrue. The name "Doutta Galla" was rumoured to have been taken from the name of the wife of a local servant dating back to the early 1800's, but again this information has proved slightly unreliable. There is also anecdotal evidence to suggest that the name came from the Aboriginal words "Dutti Gala" which mean "treeless land", although there are only a couple of references to support this translation. 

The original site for the Doutta Galla Hotel (or the ‘Doot’ to its patrons) was purchased in 1888 by Thomas Millar, and the building itself was designed by Mr. Harry Lording. The Doutta Galla hotel was completed prior to the end of 1889 by Mr. H. Franklyn’s contractors who had also worked on some other Thomas Millar projects. In itself, the building was erected for the ‘princely’ sum of around 7000 pounds, and was strategically located opposite the Newmarket railway station.

 

The Doutta Galla hotel was described in 1906 as ‘a splendid specimen of architecture and an ornament to the district.’ Its imposing façade was designed in the renaissance style, and is to this day remarkably well cared for. The colour on the top two levels remains neutral as it was in 1890, and the highlights around the windows and the architraves have been re-painted in a darker colour to match the doors and windows

Picture above shown courtesy State Library Victoria 

Collins, John T. 1907- , photographer

much of its original cement ornamentation, and is a prominent feature of the Racecourse Road streetscape. The 

During 1906 the Doutta Galla hotel was run by Mr. and Mrs. A.O. Collier, who are said to have paid ‘particular attention to the cuisine.’ Every detail was ‘well ordered’ and visitors were catered for exceedingly well. As a result, the 65 ‘commodious’ rooms were often full of Melbourne Cup punters and Royal Melbourne Show attendees. 

Around this period the Doutta Galla gained the dubious nickname of the “Bloodhouse” from its patrons. There is anecdotal evidence to suggest that this was in relation to the slaughterhouse workers who drank there, and not the many alleged bar brawls that took place within its walls.    

A large number of people have owned and run the ‘Doot’ over the last century or so, however I have not included all of the names here.  During the 1930’s and 40’s, one Mrs. E. Mudge was the operator of the premises, and through the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s it changed hands to M.R. Clarke of Essendon, and then to Mr. R.A. Sambll of Flemington proper.

In 1989 the premises were brought by the company known as Alehouses Australia. Within a  year the Doutta Galla was the centre of much debate within the community, because the new owners decided to rename the hotel. Instead of being known as the ‘Doutta Galla’ or simply ‘The Doot’, it would be called “the Sydney Liars Club”. Despite the public outcry, the change went ahead, and was the perfect example of a good marketing ploy put into practice. The same company had used similar strategies previous to 1989 when they purchased the Auburn Hotel in Hawthorn and renamed it to the ‘Geebung Polo Club’. Along with the name came a fibreglass Malcolm Fraser resplendent in his suit jacket and bath towel ensemble as a reminder of his infamous lost trousers. The model was created by Mr. Richard Mewick, along with a couple of others, however Malcolm is the only manikin to be still on display.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

In 1998, the Sydney Liars Club (Doutta Galla Hotel) was renamed to the ‘Geebung Polo Club’. Presently under the control of Lion Nathan out of New Zealand, the Geebung Polo Club of Flemington employs 23 staff in a permanent capacity. The upstairs area is no longer available as accommodation, as it has been reworked into a large office area and a few smaller rooms for band rehearsals and preparation.

Since 1900 the interior has been remodelled many times over, but each time much care is taken to ensure the old ‘Bloodhouse’ retains its grandeur and charm. Much of it has been made to look original, with the notable exception of the light fixtures and the wood panelling which were updated two or three years ago. The Doutta Galla Hotel will be a stunning part of the Racecourse road streetscape for many years to come.

Bibliography:   

Robert Cole, Robert Cole's Hoteliers' records c/o Essendon historical society. 

Greg Burchall, Melbourne times newspaper 16th May 1991 c/o S.L.V. 

Ingrid Svendsen, Melbourne times newspaper 28th Nov 1990 c/o S.L.V. 

Graeme Butler and associates, Flemington and Kensington Conservation study 1985 c/o  Sam Merrifield library, Moonee Ponds.

Marcus Breen, People cows and cars c/o  Sam Merrifield library, Moonee Ponds.

The story of the trams circa 1906-7 c/o  Sam Merrifield library, Moonee Ponds.

J. Larkins and B. Howard, Australian Pubs c/o S.L.V.

Mark McKay,  On Tap c/o S.L.V. 

K. Dunstan, Amber Nectar c/o S.L.V.

J. Larkins & D. Muir, Victorian Country Pubs c/o S.L.V.

All photographs this page taken by A.J. Peavey unless credited otherwise. 

Many thanks to: All the crowd at E.n.e.t and Strider Magazine, The Public Records office of Victoria, The Essendon Historical society, The Sam Merrifield Library and the State Library of Victoria, Liquor Licensing Victoria, Lion Nathan Inc., The staff and management of the Geebung Polo Club Hotel, and finally the Melbourne City Council for all their assistance.

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