Comments on: How the Melbourne Hotel became No5 Orange

By: Sterling Paterson

Sterling Paterson — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 20:46:54 +0000

This is so great for me to have a bit of a window into the family history. Jim is my grandfather and Leone is my great grandfather. It’s so funny to picture my grandfather choreographing the strippers haha. His book is out now so I’m sure there’s tons of stories about number 5 in there.

By: Aaron

Aaron — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 23:20:06 +0000

In reply to Dean Brandolini. What well known sports anthem was recorded at the No 5 orange?

By: Donald Ross

Donald Ross — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 21:05:10 +0000

What ever happened to Curtis Brandolini. I played hockey with him. I knew the Poison guys very well but just want to know about Curt.

By: E.J.

E.J. — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 03:16:11 +0000

Did you know that the first stripper was named Peaches. She came from Gary Taylors on Granville St. That was way before any stages etc. She gave Leon some ideas a they went with them. the rest is history.

By: Dave Wallrich

Dave Wallrich — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 13:53:00 +0000

I’m 68 now, been clean and sober since 81. In late 70 to mid 72, the Melbourne/No.5. was my daytime parlor…I was newish at the beginning to drinking and drugs . The Melbourne was my favorite place at first because it was quiet so as not to hurt my hangover, and was cool talking with all the old Italian guys…my evenings were spent mainly at the Travelers, and a few of the Granville hotels…I was into the Travelers at night, even as the MeL switched to No.5. The Travelers was more conducive to my group because we were selling and buying drugs, and had a good line of sight to the door so we could see cops coming in. Also the music at night in No.5 was to loud to do business. But even as my youth was not a pleasant experience I do have found memory’s of only the No.5…day and night..

By: Julie

Julie — Sat, 24 Jun 2023 22:42:25 +0000

I met my future husband at #5 in 1973. His group of friends associated with my group of friends. Most of us worked at Alberta or Sask Wheat pool. It was a anomaly at the time because the other pubs were just drinking places and the clubs didn’t open until later in the evening. I don’t recall live bands, though, just recorded music. We weren’t allowed to dance in the pub. I covered for the cook, my SIL, a few times but I didn’t like it. The kitchen was tiny and not that clean. I can’t stand the smell of roast beef cooking to this day We had fun in the pub but can’t remember why we stopped going. Maybe because of the strippers.

By: john vint

john vint — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 22:37:00 +0000

In reply to john vint. Why didn't you just walk? Because then the pizza would have gotten cold,

By: john vint

john vint — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 22:33:25 +0000

I have been to the No 5 about ten times. I never noticed that the girls would access the stage from the second floor until my last time there. When I worked at Incendio I delivered food there one time and one of the girls on the floor came up to me and asked if I wanted any company. I said I’m working and I couldn’t believe how nice she became to me. But I’ve got to say the girl who I delivered for finished her routine just in time for dinner so I suddenly quit my job and asked her if Dave righetti was still on her mind and she said who the fuck is that and if you don’t give me my linguini I’m gonna strick a fork ball into you while you clean-up home plate. Later that night I had to deliver to 222 Main Street where they keep the records and I told them to play Put me in coach, I’m ready to play. And they said don’t you mean ready to pay. And I said as soon as you give me that $500 you owe me. What? They asked for extra mozarella and I gave it to them. A little Strikees humour. Don’t worry, Mr Ingrld didn’t get it either.

By: Dean Brandolini

Dean Brandolini — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 00:14:03 +0000

In reply to FRED SOMERS. Fred do you have some stories to share of the Empire Hotel? If so would love to hear them good or bad. What was the name of the hotel you sold to the Alvaro’s in New West? Was it the Terminal or something like that? My Dad talked about that Hotel and the Alvaro’s owning it

By: Dean Brandolini

Dean Brandolini — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 00:10:16 +0000

My Dad Leon was 50/50 partners at the Port Arms with John Alvaro. I believe my Dad bought out one of Johns brothers. Can’t remember exactly

By: FRED SOMERS

FRED SOMERS — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 22:27:55 +0000

In reply to Dan Derksen. Alvaro's long time family friends. I sold my operation in New West to the Alvaro brothers Nick and Meco

By: FRED SOMERS

FRED SOMERS — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 00:38:13 +0000

My uncle by Marriage with his Brother operated the New Empire Hotel and I was also in the Hotel business in New Westminster for over 20 years that was in the Family for over 60 years.

I also had very similar recalls during Prohibition days as my Grandfather was also operating using Studebaker Vehicle with false bottoms.

Great memories that bring back smiles, laughs and tears all good tears.

Dean, we never met but I had great visits with Cy.

Take care, remember those times.

By: Dan Derksen

Dan Derksen — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 23:08:13 +0000

I was Leone’s Molson Rep at the Brass Rail, it was the first account I changed to Molson draft beer, Leone was a great guy and customer to deal with. Leone then bought the Port Arms Hotel from the Alvaro’s.
I remember Cy Brandolini who was a sales rep with Labatts.

By: Dean Brandolini

Dean Brandolini — Sat, 28 May 2022 18:42:57 +0000

In reply to Paul Berrettoni. Hey Paul that’s awesome! Thanks for that information, I did not know that about those hotels and your Family, my Dad was Leon (Gillies son). Gillies father Leone’s brother Santo managed the Rainier way back in the 20’s or 30’s, date unclear. I found a Christmas newspaper ad put out by the Rainier Hotel where the Rainier Hotel manager - Santo Brandolini wishes everyone a Merry Christmas. I wonder if Santo was working for your family at the time? Anyhow, nice to meet you! I’ve been doing a lot of research on my family as well, it’s been great fun. I’d love to get your contact info to discuss more. Ciao!

By: Gregory Melle

Gregory Melle — Sat, 28 May 2022 13:23:25 +0000

I was renting a room on Bidwell Street in 1971 when the owner of the house and some real estate partners bought the Melbourne Hotel. Barry hired my future brother-in-law Mark as manager.
I visited one afternoon and found a typical beer parlour of era. Red terry-towel table cloths and a handful of patrons. Long-haired Barry and Mark didn’t match the ambiance.
When I next returned a few months later it had been renovated and there were lineups at the door. The biggest No5 attraction at that time was the great sound system; something unheard of in beer parlours of the day.
My sister remembers that they gave out free popcorn and that she was hired to come in at night to sweep the food debris off the floors.
In later years I visited a few times for the music. I recall a little stage completely covered with six or eight musicians blasting out swinging jazz rock.
Eventually No5 went all in on shower power and strippers. It is a few decades since I’ve been inside but apparently it remains one of the classiest places on Vancouver’s Main Street.

By: Paul Berrettoni

Paul Berrettoni — Fri, 27 May 2022 15:18:47 +0000

The Berrettoni’s,Nik and Lina,arrived in Vancouver 1912.they had 3 sons,Charles,Julio and Barry before the death of Nick in 1920
They lived at 750 Princess St and 612 Union St.
The family knew the Brandolini s well ..went to school ,Strathcona,had the same teachers.
The Berrettoni’s own and operated two hotels ..The Rainer on Carrol St and the Marr on Powell St at the same time the Brandolini s own their hotels
My brother and myself are presently doing our family history.any information appreciated

By: Dean Brandolini

Dean Brandolini — Sun, 22 May 2022 23:09:45 +0000

In reply to Eve Lazarus. In the summer months the strippers used to sun tan naked on the roof of the adjoining building to the south to get that fresh summer tan on before hitting the stage. The building is no longer there now, torn down and replaced with a new building, taller building. The girls accessed the roof via the 2nd floor lobby window of the 2nd floor of the No. 5 Orange. Across the street is the Law Courts and the judges offices all viewed Main Street and the No. 5. Without a word of a lie, the judges or some of them would call my Dad asking him what time will the strippers be tanning on the roof? I remember there used to be a kiddie pool out there too

By: Dean Brandolini

Dean Brandolini — Sun, 22 May 2022 23:02:02 +0000

In reply to Angus McIntyre. Oh wow this is so cool, thank you Angus! I never knew this

By: Stuart Grant

Stuart Grant — Sun, 22 May 2022 04:03:33 +0000

I note that the Post Covid Marquee yells “Get in Here Now!”. A little stripper humor?

By: Chris Au

Chris Au — Sat, 21 May 2022 20:02:06 +0000

In the mid 1980s, a group from our office [men and women] would have the occasional lunch at No.5 Orange. Haven’t been back there since. Wonder if it’s changed?