The historic King’s Head Hotel is one of the first pubs to formally pronounce it will not reopen after the mandatory closure period, as the financial burden proves too much.
The King’s Head has been trading since 1876, and for the past 12 years it has been the pride of publican and Adelaide mover and shaker Gareth Lewis.
Lewis has championed local producers, suppliers and artists at the venue for more than a decade, but the business fell hard with the 23 March closure announcement, despite a pivot to offer takeaway and make the most of the bottleshop.
Late last week Lewis admitted to 9News the revamped offerings weren’t enough to keep the wolves from the door.
“It’s been tough, there’s been a lot of tears,” he said.
“I’m sure there’s going to be more in the industry.”
The announcement makes the King’s Adelaide’s first official permanent closure at the hands of COVID-19, and comes soon after Lewis’ own prediction as he geared up mid-April to run for a seat on Adelaide City Council.
“Coronavirus has killed vibrancy in our city, and it may well claim the Kings Head, but it will never kill democracy!”
He has nominated for the City of Adelaide’s Central Ward by-election, stressing that the hospitality, events and retail industries “need a voice” as the city takes what he believes will be years to return to its post-shutdown state.
“We will lose countless businesses (both direct and secondary suppliers), great people and that old chestnut ‘vibrancy’. The city needs an experienced advocate for these industries.”
Lewis is suggesting attention to a myriad of issues affecting hospitality, including: removal of impediments to and the costs of doing business, and parking restrictions, and the relaxation of liquor licensing.
He is also touting some new ideas, such as the installation of a ‘Night Mayor’, and establishment of a permanent outdoor music bowl in Adelaide for hosting music events in the city.
