'It's certainly not how we wanted it to end': Famous pub closes shop after a decade of operations

Restaurants, cafes, and pubs are more than just food spots; these places also serve as community hubs where people can socialise and interact.

Yet, in recent times, we have seen these places close down.

A famous pub bit the dust as it ended its decade-long run in the food and beverage industry.


Bondi Hardware, a cocktail bar and staple in their local community, announced its closure after 12 years of operations.

The news came as a shock to many and left a void in the hearts of locals and visitors alike.

Bondi Hardware occupied an old hardware shop and turned it into a rustic-chic restaurant and bar in 2010.


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Bondi Hardware served a variety of food and drink options for its customers. Image Credit: Instagram/Bondi Hardware


Since then, Bondi Hardware has been a go-to destination for those seeking a lively spot for bottomless brunches, crafted cocktails, and cosy Sunday roasts.

Yet after 12 years of creating an inviting atmosphere, the venue confirmed that 'it's time to say goodbye'.

'Like many in hospitality, we have faced our share of challenges—navigating the impact of COVID, rising costs of living, and increasing prices of food, alcohol, utilities and rent,' Bondi Hardware wrote in their farewell post.


These financial strains were compounded by a demolition clause in their lease, which ultimately affected Bondi Hardware's business model.

'Those who know the realities of running a small business—especially hospitality—will understand the mental toll and heartbreak of this decision, hence why we have been quiet for the past few weeks, processing this huge loss,' Bondi Hardware added.

'It's certainly not how we wanted it to end.'

Sadness and support from the pub's patrons were evident.

Local celebrities and influencers took to social media to express their dismay about the pub's closure.

Model and television presenter Laura Csortan lamented the loss of the place.

'Thank you for creating a wonderful space for us all to come to over the years. The venue and everyone associated will all be missed terribly,' Csortan wrote.


Radio producer and columnist Jana Hocking thanked the hardware for the memories she made at the venue.

'Bondi hardware was my favourite local when I first moved to Sydney 10 years ago,' a patron reminisced.

'This is such sad news. The community will miss you.'

Bondi Hardware's closure was more than just the end of a business; it was the end of an era for many who considered it their favourite local haunt.

It's a reminder of the hospitality industry's fragility and the external factors that could heavily impact even the most beloved establishments.

This should also be a reminder to cherish the local businesses that bring life to communities.
Key Takeaways

  • Sydney-based cocktail bar Bondi Hardware announced its closure after twelve years of operations.
  • The venue, which was once an old hardware shop, became a beloved spot for brunches, cocktails and live music, among others.
  • The owners attributed the closure to the cumulative impact of COVID-19, rising living costs and a demolition clause in their lease.
  • Patrons expressed their shock and sadness about the closure on social media and shared their gratitude for the experiences the venue provided over the years.
Do you miss a local establishment that closed down as well? Share your stories about your beloved community hubs in the comments section below.
 
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I can't say goodbye because I never said hello !!

Again how popular was it if it had to close !!!

I miss the old all you can eat Sizzlers . I loved doing family outings there.

I know a few McDonalds stores not doing well.
They thought they would have picked up from Covid by now but not so. I think with the economy people are not eating out or at least not near as much
 
The posting mentioned a "Demolition clause" as a reason for closing. So the "BIG ?" is, is the joint going to be demolished.
Oh dear, once again, no clear reason of the closing.
Why is covid always to blame ? Or, is this an easy excuse for a business going bad when it was more than likely doing AO'K with no obvious financial problems ?
Many "?'s" could be asked.
Who's pulling who's leg here ?
 
It's not just Sydney businesses that are failing and closing. I'm out west visiting the grandkids and yesterday we wandered into Orange for a swim and lunch. The first 3 Cafes we visited ( courtesy of google) had actually closed down.
 
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I can't say goodbye because I never said hello !!

Again how popular was it if it had to close !!!

I miss the old all you can eat Sizzlers . I loved doing family outings there.

I know a few McDonalds stores not doing well.
They thought they would have picked up from Covid by now but not so. I think with the economy people are not eating out or at least not near as much
Beware of ''all you can eat'' places .They had one in Tassy called the China Dinner which was closed when they were caught using cat/dog tins.The cans were all found in garbage bins.
 
Beware of ''all you can eat'' places .They had one in Tassy called the China Dinner which was closed when they were caught using cat/dog tins.The cans were all found in garbage bins.
Maybe they were feeding the cats and dogs that they may have used in their restaurant. Not a new thing in Asian cooking. Hopefully the investigation delves a bit further.
 
There was an "all you can eat restaurant" called Restaurant 59 at the Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemen's Club in Nowra on the NSW South Coast. Competitively priced with an all you can eat option.

People took advantage of the fact, filling their handbags with kilograms of king prawns, roast beef and fried chicken. Women were the culprits in all cases.

The place would have been running at a lost and subsequently closed down less than 12 months after commencing business.

Strangely, it was run by Chinese!
 
There was an "all you can eat restaurant" called Restaurant 59 at the Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemen's Club in Nowra on the NSW South Coast. Competitively priced with an all you can eat option.

People took advantage of the fact, filling their handbags with kilograms of king prawns, roast beef and fried chicken. Women were the culprits in all cases.

The place would have been running at a lost and subsequently closed down less than 12 months after commencing business.

Strangely, it was run by Chinese!
Remember when KFC had a brief all you can eat. I watched a couple filling containers at their table to take home. Acted surprised when asked to leave.
 
Unfortunately there will be more hospitality business houses closing in the near future....the cost of living crisis is seriously affecting their businesses.....people are watching every dollar they spend and 'treats' like a night out eating are becoming less prevalent. Add that to the extra costs being added to these businesses like wage increase , rent going up, electricity and gas price increases, and of course the increase in grocery and meats prices....it's all be going on for so long now, if customer numbers are dropping also it only adds the final nail in the coffin for many establishments in the hospitality industry....only those with a strong financial back up will continue, but for those without that then the end is unfortunately very close at hand.:(
 
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It's a wonder that such an establishment didn't have observers, casually dressed, watching any one who continuously came up for more than one or two refills & watch what they were doing with the extra tucker.
If it was witnessed being stashed away, then management step in an ask them to leave forthwith, & to also empty their stash as well.
 
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That’s life things open and things close we have to get used to that but it gets harder as we get older
 

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