Lounge opened its doors September 1989. The philosophy at the time was to create a space that catered more specifically for the art community of Melbourne. They were proud of Melbourne and the creative people that existed with in it and hoped that they would be a hub for those hearts to meet and cultivate ideas, art and change the culture of Melbourne.

The city centre was a barren and desolate place in 1989 with virtually no other bars, clubs or late night cafes. They combined all three of these fun things to do plus pool tables, a soccer table, dart board and opened a continuous 86 hours per week from Thursday afternoon to Monday morning serving food, beverages and music.

In an effort to play host to the arts and provide a forum where Melbourne�s various artists, musician and performers could display their huge talents to in interested audience they ran for many years an extensive program of events.

The range of events covered art exhibitions, plays, poetry readings, cabaret, performance art, comedy, video artists, radio plays, dance performances, book readings, bands, films, DJ�s, fashion shows and sound artists.

They sponsored the Lounge Record Label, �Vehicle� a literary journal for unpublished writers and the White Gloves Film festival for emerging film makers.