One of Sydney’s most iconic watering holes has announced it will close its doors on October 4 after decades of operation, despite its owners saying the business is “thriving”.
The Stoned Crow in Crows Nest released the shock news on social media, leaving just three weeks for the community to say their goodbyes to a lower north shore institution.
The popular venue has a history stretching back decades and has been continually licensed since 1932.
In 1969, Warwick Short bought The Stoned Crow and transformed it by offering a broader selection of drinks and opening its doors to women.
The bar sold again in 1994, before the current owners took over in 2011.
But after 15 “incredible” years on Willoughby Rd, the owners revealed the pub will pour its last drinks next month.
“We’re sad to be closing our doors but more than anything we want to celebrate everything The Stoned Crow has been and the memories we’ve created together,” the team wrote on social media.
Loyal customers responded to the announcement with disappointment and shock.
“NO WAY!!! Say it isn’t so,” one person commented on Facebook.
“This is so sad!! It’s an iconic venue in Crowie! I worked here nearly 20 years ago now! My parents used to say it was an old dive bar back in the late 70s! Wow, so sad,” another wrote.
“I can’t believe we’re losing the Stoned Crow and gaining a McDonald’s,” another said.
That McDonald’s is real. Construction is underway at 31 Willoughby Rd, the old Westpac building on the corner of Burlington St, where the new store will be run by six-store licensee Bernard Kelly. Thomas Hotels has also applied to open the 500-patron Royal Crow Hotel on Clarke St opposite the Metro station, with a 5am licence.
The statement, issued last week, continued by thanking the local community, staff and regular drinkers.
“From the first day we opened, we’ve been lucky enough to have an amazing team, both front and back of house, incredibly loyal customers, and a community that has made The Stoned Crow what it is today,” the spokesperson said.
“The truth is, The Stoned Crow is still thriving.
“That’s what makes this next chapter so hard – but also makes us incredibly proud of what we’ve built together.”
The Stoned Crow officially closes on October 4. What happens to the site at 39 Willoughby Rd remains unclear.
By ANNA USHER
