A much-loved Sydney pub is preparing to call time after 15 years, even as its owners say the venue remains a busy and successful local favourite.
The Stoned Crow in Crows Nest, on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, has built a loyal following over the years thanks to its crowd-pleasing food deals, creative cocktail and drinks lists, and warm, energetic pub atmosphere.
The neighbourhood hotspot has also enjoyed the occasional celebrity moment, including a memorable visit from Justin Bieber, who stopped by for beers while in Sydney in 2017.
The site’s story goes back decades, with the venue first trading as The Stoned Crow in 1965 before the current operators took the reins in 2011.
Now, after what they described as 15 “incredible” years running the popular Crows Nest pub, the owners have confirmed The Stoned Crow will serve its final drinks on Sunday, October 4.
‘Our lease is coming to an end and we’ve got one last month to celebrate The Stoned Crow – and what a 15 years it’s been,’ the team wrote on social media.
‘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.
‘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.’
A beloved Sydney pub has announced it will close its doors after 15 years – despite the owners insisting the business is still ‘thriving’
The Stoned Crow in Crows Nest, on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, has long been a favourite among locals for its food specials, inventive drinks menus and lively atmosphere
It has even attracted its share of famous faces, with Justin Bieber famously dropping into the neighbourhood watering hole for beers during a visit to Sydney in 2017 (pictured)
The team was quick to stress the closure was not the result of financial difficulties, insisting the business remained ‘thriving’ right up until the end.
‘That’s what makes this next chapter so hard – but also makes us incredibly proud of what we’ve built together,’ they continued.
‘For 15 years, you’ve celebrated birthdays, caught up with friends, shared meals, had a few too many drinks, made memories and, most importantly, made The Stoned Crow feel like your local.
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‘And we’ve got one month left to do it all again.
‘So, come down, bring your friends, enjoy your favourite meals, have a drink and help us make these final weeks some of our best yet.’
The team urged regulars to return for one final meal or drink and help give the neighbourhood institution ‘the send-off it deserves’, with a string of specials planned throughout its final weeks.
‘Thank you for 15 incredible years. We can’t wait to spend our final month with you.’
News of the closure was met with an outpouring of disappointment from longtime patrons, many of whom shared memories stretching back decades.
The venue has a history stretching back decades, first opening under The Stoned Crow name in 1965 before its current owners took over in 2011
‘We’re sad to be closing our doors on Sunday 4th October, but more than anything, we want to celebrate everything The Stoned Crow has been and the memories we’ve created together
‘This is so sad!! It’s an iconic venue in Crowie! I worked here near 20 years ago now! My parents used to say it was an old dive bar back in the later 70s! Wow so sad,’ one wrote.
‘I can’t believe we’re losing the Stoned Crow and gaining a McDonald’s,’ another said.
‘NO this the best schnitzel I’ve ever had in my life,’ one woman added.
‘Wow, this is a massive shock. All the best SC, you will be missed.’
The Stoned Crow will officially close on October 4, bringing the current owners’ 15-year run to an end.
What happens to the longstanding Crows Nest site next remains unclear.