Celebrated chef shuts down popular bar, stuns fans: 'We raise a glass one final time'
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It’s rare for a popular venue to close so soon after opening, especially when led by one of Australia’s top chefs.
That’s what happened in a Sydney suburb, where a stylish new bar shut down permanently after less than a year.
For locals and fans, the sudden closure came as a surprise, raising questions about what caused the shutdown and what the chef’s next move will be.
Bobbie’s wasn’t just another bar. Tucked beneath Perry’s acclaimed Cantonese restaurant, Song Bird, inside the elegant Gaden House, Bobbie’s was a passion project from the get-go.
Perry, a household name thanks to his work at Rockpool, Spice Temple, and Margaret, teamed up with New York hospitality heavyweight Linden Pride—co-owner of Manhattan’s world-renowned Dante and Caffe Dante—to bring a slice of international cocktail culture to Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
The vision was ambitious: world-class drinks, a swanky jazz vibe, and a nod to the legendary Bob Rogers, for whom the bar was named.
Locals quickly embraced the venue, with many calling it an 'institution' despite its brief run.
The team behind Bobbie’s poured their hearts into every detail, from the music to the menu, creating a space that felt both exclusive and welcoming.
On May 29, Bobbie’s team broke the news on social media: 'Last drinks at Bobbie’s. Tonight, we raise a glass one final time—to the memories, the music, the cocktails, the team and the incredible guests who made Bobbie’s so special.'
The heartfelt message thanked patrons for their support and paid tribute to Bob Rogers, whose spirit inspired the bar’s creation.
The closure, Perry explained, was a joint decision. Linden Pride’s US-based hospitality group, Dante, is expanding rapidly, with several new venues planned across America in the next 18 months.
With Pride’s focus shifting overseas, the partners decided it was time to move on.
The landlords are now in talks with prospective operators interested in taking over the coveted basement space.
The news hit regulars hard. Social media was flooded with messages of sadness and gratitude.
'So sad to see you go. An institution. Thanks for the great memories,' wrote one fan. Another lamented, 'Absolutely devastated—Sydney needed this.'
The outpouring of affection is a testament to the impact Bobbie’s had in such a short time and a reminder of how quickly the hospitality landscape can change.
With Bobbie’s closing, rumours began swirling about the fate of Song Bird, the Cantonese restaurant perched just above.
Perry was quick to set the record straight: 'Song Bird is absolutely not closing.'
Instead, the restaurant is undergoing a strategic review, scaling back from four floors to three.
The top level, originally intended for events and a la carte dining, will become private offices.
This move, Perry says, will streamline operations and enhance the dining experience.
Song Bird will now seat 140 guests, including outdoor tables, and is set to unveil a new menu inspired by the diverse flavours of China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. Perry describes the revised layout as 'the ideal size to manage and a key part of the Margaret Family Precinct moving forward.'
For Neil Perry, the closure of Bobbie’s is a rare blip in an otherwise stellar career.
His restaurant group includes some of Australia’s most celebrated venues, from Rockpool and Spice Temple to Margaret and Next Door in Sydney, as well as Rockpool and Rosetta in Melbourne.
Perry remains upbeat, saying, 'Running Bobbie’s has been a fantastic experience.
While we’re disappointed to see it go, this move allows Linden to focus on Dante’s growth and will enable me to concentrate fully on Song Bird, Margaret, Next Door, and our bakery.'
Bobbie’s closure is a reminder of the challenges facing the hospitality industry, especially in a city as dynamic as Sydney.
Even with star power, a prime location, and a loyal following, success is never guaranteed.
Factors like shifting business priorities, landlord negotiations, and the ever-evolving tastes of diners all play a role.
For those of us who love a good night out, it’s a bittersweet moment.
We raise a glass to Bobbie’s, and the memories made there and look forward to seeing what new ventures will take their place.
Did you have a favourite cocktail or a memorable night at the bar? How do you feel about the rapid changes in Sydney’s dining and nightlife scene? And what are your thoughts on Neil Perry’s decision to focus on his other venues? Feel free to share them in the comments below.
That’s what happened in a Sydney suburb, where a stylish new bar shut down permanently after less than a year.
For locals and fans, the sudden closure came as a surprise, raising questions about what caused the shutdown and what the chef’s next move will be.
Bobbie’s wasn’t just another bar. Tucked beneath Perry’s acclaimed Cantonese restaurant, Song Bird, inside the elegant Gaden House, Bobbie’s was a passion project from the get-go.
Perry, a household name thanks to his work at Rockpool, Spice Temple, and Margaret, teamed up with New York hospitality heavyweight Linden Pride—co-owner of Manhattan’s world-renowned Dante and Caffe Dante—to bring a slice of international cocktail culture to Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
The vision was ambitious: world-class drinks, a swanky jazz vibe, and a nod to the legendary Bob Rogers, for whom the bar was named.
Neil Perry’s Double Bay cocktail bar, Bobbie’s, has been closed less than a year after opening, leaving locals devastated by the sudden announcement. Credit: @chefneilperry / Instagram
Locals quickly embraced the venue, with many calling it an 'institution' despite its brief run.
The team behind Bobbie’s poured their hearts into every detail, from the music to the menu, creating a space that felt both exclusive and welcoming.
On May 29, Bobbie’s team broke the news on social media: 'Last drinks at Bobbie’s. Tonight, we raise a glass one final time—to the memories, the music, the cocktails, the team and the incredible guests who made Bobbie’s so special.'
The heartfelt message thanked patrons for their support and paid tribute to Bob Rogers, whose spirit inspired the bar’s creation.
The closure, Perry explained, was a joint decision. Linden Pride’s US-based hospitality group, Dante, is expanding rapidly, with several new venues planned across America in the next 18 months.
With Pride’s focus shifting overseas, the partners decided it was time to move on.
The landlords are now in talks with prospective operators interested in taking over the coveted basement space.
The news hit regulars hard. Social media was flooded with messages of sadness and gratitude.
'So sad to see you go. An institution. Thanks for the great memories,' wrote one fan. Another lamented, 'Absolutely devastated—Sydney needed this.'
With Bobbie’s closing, rumours began swirling about the fate of Song Bird, the Cantonese restaurant perched just above.
Perry was quick to set the record straight: 'Song Bird is absolutely not closing.'
Instead, the restaurant is undergoing a strategic review, scaling back from four floors to three.
The top level, originally intended for events and a la carte dining, will become private offices.
This move, Perry says, will streamline operations and enhance the dining experience.
For Neil Perry, the closure of Bobbie’s is a rare blip in an otherwise stellar career.
His restaurant group includes some of Australia’s most celebrated venues, from Rockpool and Spice Temple to Margaret and Next Door in Sydney, as well as Rockpool and Rosetta in Melbourne.
Perry remains upbeat, saying, 'Running Bobbie’s has been a fantastic experience.
While we’re disappointed to see it go, this move allows Linden to focus on Dante’s growth and will enable me to concentrate fully on Song Bird, Margaret, Next Door, and our bakery.'
Bobbie’s closure is a reminder of the challenges facing the hospitality industry, especially in a city as dynamic as Sydney.
Factors like shifting business priorities, landlord negotiations, and the ever-evolving tastes of diners all play a role.
For those of us who love a good night out, it’s a bittersweet moment.
We raise a glass to Bobbie’s, and the memories made there and look forward to seeing what new ventures will take their place.
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