Iconic Sydney gay bar Stonewall Hotel has heartbreakingly announced its closure after 28 years as a staple fixture on Oxford Street.
The news comes days after the venue was placed into administration on Friday, March 13, with a notice on the exterior of the bar doing the rounds on social media over the weekend.
The closure follows Stonewall’s recent opening of a second venue in Newtown, where the ribbon was officially cut earlier this month.
In a social media statement, Stonewall co-owner Craig Bell said the venue’s legacy is “far from over” and that Newtown will be its focus moving forward.
“The party will continue as we embrace our new home in Newtown, carrying forward the spirit and community that has defined us for so long,” Bell wrote on Instagram today.
Elsewhere in the post, Bell reflected on the “sad and difficult decision” to shutter the business given its decades-long history.
“Over the years, we have employed wonderful people, connected with remarkable customers, and forged friendships that will last a lifetime. My sincere thanks go out to every one of you who contributed to our story,” Bell said.
A bunch of Sydney personalities mourned the closure in the comments section, with drag queen Etcetera Etcetera sending “love and support to all the staff, performers and community” and singer-songwriter Brendan Maclean saying he “can’t quite believe this is happening”.
No official reason for the closure has been given. Last week, Stonewall said on Facebook that the venue was “closed for repairs and maintenance”, while Gay Sydney News reported that Pride Holdings Group — which acquired the hotel last November — was under financial pressure in its latest financial results.
It follows the closure of other gay venues across Sydney in recent times. Fellow Oxford Street staple ARQ Nightclub closed its doors after 26 years last March, while The Bearded Tit in Redfern shut up shop in November.
Thankfully, you can still get your Stonewall fix at the venue’s Newtown location on King Street. See you there!
Lead images: Instagram
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