Crown closes exclusive nightclub Club 23 launched by Shane Warne
Like any big party the fun’s about to end at Crown’s super exclusive Club 23, the playground for the world’s rich and famous.
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Crown Casino’s exclusive Club 23 nightclub will close next month, eight years after a glowed-up Shane Warne arrived at the exclusive opening keeping a tight grip on busty bandage-dress wearing Elizabeth Hurley.
The “23” stood for Warnie’s cricket number, carried over from his AFL footy days with St Kilda Under 19s.
The spin king wasn’t the high-profile owner, as many people thought, but was paid handsomely to be a club ambassador along with poker king Joe Hachem.
Crown had high hopes, pumping $11 million into the bar and lounge.
Club 23 was to be the showpiece of a $281-million renovation to the flagship Southbank property.
Warne worked closely with Crown on the venue’s concept from the get-go in a bid to bowl over Melbourne’s social set.
It was always a lifelong dream of his to be part of a nightclub.
No expense was spared on grand furniture, leather couches and an outdoor balcony with sweeping views of the Yarra River and city skyline.
It was also a place where Warnie could smoke a dart.
It was billed as the former cricketer’s ‘ultimate private bar and mini casino’.
Warnie called in his big gun mates to help launch the VIP venue.
Golf superstar Tiger Woods teed off proceedings, soccer star Harry Kewell and pregnant wife Sheree Murphy walked the black carpet along with Melbourne heavyweights Jeff Kennett, Eddie McGuire and Ron Walker.
David Beckham and Dustin Martin have partied hard at the venue, the world’s fastest man Usain Bolt played DJ at the “boutique nightclub venue for those in the know with a sophisticated clientele”.
If those bar stools could talk.
Warnie eventually moved on from the venue, not long after he also moved on from fiancee Hurley.
Promoters Alex Mate and Jake Kogakis helped run the club successfully for more than five years but left in 2017.
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Rumours the nightclub would be absorbed into the casino’s gaming area were confirmed yesterday, with Club 23 shutting it’s doors next month.
A Crown spokesperson said Club 23 had been an institution during its time at Crown Melbourne.
“But like all entertainment complexes, Crown continues to innovate and find fresh offerings for our customers.
“This includes some exciting new openings across the complex in coming months which will be announced shortly.”
There will be a series of send-off nights, with a big black carpet “Reunion” party on June 29.
Warnie is on the invite list. It wouldn’t be a party without him.
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