Proving all good things must come to an end, the Short’s party pub Scubar will soon close its doors.
Located in Rawson Place, a stone’s throw from Central Station and Chinatown, Scubar began as a project between the late Warwick Short and son Martin, as hospitality partners. Furthering the family connection, Martin’s sister Paris ignited her passion for hospitality at Scubar.
Speaking to PubTIC, Marty Short says W. Short Hotel Group (WSHG) has effectively outgrown the good-times student bar and will (reluctantly) close it at the end of its lease, in July.
“We completed a 15-year lease, then another five-year option, but the time has come to move on.
“It has been a pleasure to host so many awesome customers – both locals and those passing through Sydney. Scubar has been a breeding ground for talent both within W. Short Hotel Group venues and the broader hospitality industry.
“To the many great staff members we have been proud to employ over the years, we thank you for your passion and friendship.”
Marty, Paris and matriarch Ros formed WSHG in 2013, coinciding with the family’s acquisition of Leichhardt’s The Royal – now fully refurbished, with a brand new ‘heritage’ balcony. WSHG assumed control of the family’s several pubs, including the landmark Australian Heritage and Glenmore Rooftop Hotels in The Rocks, and Haymarket haven Scubar – renowned as something of a “spiritual home” for backpackers and students, and birthplace of the world-famous Crab Racing.
In the same vein that saw Warwick and Ros close their popular Stoned Crow pub in Crows Nest, the Group has determined to bid farewell to Scubar on a high note. The exact closing date is yet to be confirmed, but Short says the venue will be trading as per normal and the Group is encouraging years of patrons to join them on social media with photos and memories of great times.
The final end will see “one hell of a party” as Scubar closes – at least for now …
“We’re not saying the door will be closed forever,” equivocates Short.
“We believe Sydney deserves a venue that provides the experience that Scubar has for so long, so who knows where and when Scu may pop up again.”
