A popular bar has announced its shock closure after 18 years – leaving customers devastated over the news.
The owners of The Beast, known for its smash burgers and live music, in Melbourne’s Brunswick East, confirmed the family had made a ‘heartbreaking decision’ to close its doors after almost two decades of business.
‘To everyone who built it, broke it, played in it, or played with it, thank you. You made this place what it was, and we’ll carry that with us always,’ the owner said.
‘We fought hard, but the long aftershock of the lockdown years was something we couldn’t outrun. It’s been exhausting and deeply meaningful.
‘The Year of the Fire Horse is about renewal. We’re excited to see what the Brunswick East community will create in this space.’
Patrons who visited the venue in recent days were greeted by a locked door featuring a handwritten sign that read: ‘RIP to The Beast. Closed.’
‘I’m actually devastated. Lived across the road for nine years and $1 wings were a tradition. Please say you’re still open so we can come and say goodbye,’ one said.
‘This is devastating! Is there a final day? The King Khan, your fries and your onion rings were my favourite,’ another shared.
Patrons who visited the Melbourne bar in recent days were greeted by a locked door featuring a handwritten sign that read: ‘RIP to The Beast. Closed’
‘Thank you for so much awesome and fun over the years! Legends,’ one added.
It’s unclear what the bar would do next but the owners joked: ‘We’re currently exploring the potential demand for a new career in OnlyFans.
‘Stay tuned. With love and gratitude, Beast.’
Many employees chimed in to share their fond memories of working behind the bar.
‘Made some of the best friends of my life working behind that bar,’ one said.
‘Had some amazing times at The Beast, did a killer shift there once with great staff,’ another shared.
‘Sad news! We’ve always had a blast playing at Beast,’ one band revealed.
The owners of The Beast in Melbourne’s Brunswick East, confirmed the family had made a ‘heartbreaking decision’ to close its doors after almost two decades of business
The trendy bar was known for its smash burgers, loaded fries, cocktails and live music
Over on Reddit, many suggested the venue ‘wasn’t the same’ after strict COVID restrictions were lifted following Melbourne’s 234-day lockdown.
The city recorded the world’s longest cumulative time in lockdown.
‘Seems they’ve been struggling to keep up since after lockdown. About a year ago I had a great chat with them… and they said they were having to downsize big time, all the way down to even their free soda refills to $1 wing Wednesday being canned. Really sucks,’ one revealed.
‘I lived in the area when they opened up. Great burgers… Went back after COVID when they had live bands. Seemed full. But everyone was drinking water. Bar staff were standing around doing the ol’ glass wipe. No money going over the counter. I don’t blame COVID. It’s cost of living that’s out of control. The atmosphere was still good. But not profitable. Because nobody can afford $16 basic pints,’ another shared.
‘The scene has never recovered to the level it was pre-COVID. Things have improved, but people just don’t go out the same way they did… seems like fewer people have the money to spend too,’ one pointed out.
‘Genuinely never been this sad about a hospo business closing. My local for a decade and the site of so many great times and memories,’ another added.
