Over the past few years, Sydneysiders have gotten used to nearly all of their favourite clubs shut down or re-brand as a more lockout-friendly venue.

But it isn’t all bad news, with much-loved Sydney club The Imperial Hotel announcing that it will be re-opening its doors, just in time for Mardi Gras. Since 2015, The Imperial has skated on thin ice, facing permanent closure after investigations from the Office of Liquor, Gaming & Racing found that there was “ongoing drug dealing and illicit drug use, multiple intoxicated patrons and staff serving to intoxicated patrons.” Popular club nights including Meanwhile and Spice were forced to cease following the investigation.

While it’s undergone renovations since last September, The Imperial will be given new life and will fling open its doors for one hell of an opening weekend on Mardi Gras. The LBGTI venue will host parties on Friday and Saturday nights, and for those looking to kick on, the ‘Annual Hung AF’ jam will keep the beverages flowing throughout Sunday. The venue will also be lockout-free.

Welcome back The Imperial in style, and head to one of their soirees below: