The Savage Club, a 131-year-old men-only establishment in Melbourne, has decided to end a trial that allowed women to dine in its main dining room on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This decision comes just three months into the six-month trial period. The club's leadership had initiated the trial in response to declining lunch attendance, as members sought alternative dining options that accommodated their wives and business associates.

The Savage Club, located on Bank Place, had hoped to attract more patrons by allowing women to join members for lunch. However, the trial faced backlash from some male members who expressed concerns about the impact of women on the club's traditional atmosphere. An email from a faction of these members described the potential presence of women as a threat to the club's boisterous culture, stating, "The loud and boisterous bohemian behaviour that the club is famous for will now have to be tempered for fear of upsetting a 'Karen' at the other end of the dining room."

Despite the initial intent to modernize and increase revenue, the trial was met with resistance. Some members argued that allowing women would change the dynamic of the club, making it less comfortable for men who valued the male-only environment. The club's president had previously noted that lunch attendance was falling, prompting the need for a change.

The Savage Club's decision to end the trial reflects ongoing tensions surrounding gender inclusion in traditional male spaces. Writer Jen Vuk, who participated in the trial, expressed her relief at not being invited to join the club permanently, stating, "You can keep the nostalgia, exclusivity, taxidermy and misogyny."

The Savage Club is one of several exclusive men's clubs in Australia, which have faced scrutiny for their outdated practices in a modern society that increasingly values inclusivity. These clubs often stand in stark contrast to the diverse cultural landscape of Melbourne, which includes a variety of dining and social options that reflect the city's multicultural population.

As the Savage Club returns to its traditional practices, it remains to be seen how it will adapt to the changing social climate and whether it will find ways to attract new members while maintaining its historical identity. The club's future may depend on its ability to reconcile its past with the evolving expectations of society.