Sydney speakeasy Grandma’s Bar closing at end of February

By ERIN MODARO

A beloved Sydney speakeasy style bar has announced it will be shutting its doors. Grandma’s Bar, located on Clarence Street, said via social media that they will be closing at the end of February.

The owners said that the building which houses the bar has been sold for redevelopment, and the lease will not be renewed.

“Grandma’s proud to have shared our passion for hospitality with the so many of our staff,” a statement read.

The building at 275 Clarence Street was approved by the City of Sydney for redevelopment in November of 2019. Property developers Revelop will be revamping the current building into a 19-storey 5 star hotel, including over 200 rooms and suites with retail spaces on ground level. The expected completion date is early 2024.

First on the map

Grandma’s Bar was put on the map as a pioneer in 2010 when it was granted the city’s first ever small bar licence. Small bar licensing was introduced by the City of Sydney to stimulate nightlife and create a vibrant and diverse atmosphere of venues.

Venues qualify for small bar licensing if they hold a maximum of 120 patrons without gambling machines.

Grandmas’s said the small bar licenses “provided our beautiful city with an alternative to the traditional large-scale bars and nightclubs with throw away service that dominated the Sydney’s nightlife”.

Grandma’s was known for its cosy atmosphere and themed decorations, including an array of knitting baskets, cups and saucers, and bar staff nicknamed ‘grandkids’.

The parent company operating Grandma’s Bar, Liquor and Larder, will continue to run other Sydney venues including Bistecca, the Rover and the Gidley.