Historic Western Sydney Venue Burns To The Ground

The Jolly Frog Hotel in Western Sydney's Windsor has been destroyed after a fire broke out in the venue overnight.

A fire was reported in the pub, which enjoyed its heyday in the '70s and '80s, at approximately 10pm on Monday night. Surrounding streets were closed for several hours after police and fire-fighters responded to reports that the venue “was well alight”.

According to a police report the fire was prevented from spreading to any other buildings, but the Jolly Frog has been destroyed.

Located on the corner of Bridge and Macquarie streets on the entry to Windsor, the heritage-listed building had played host to a number of artists across a number of genres.

Notably, at one time it provided a Western Sydney outpost for Sydney metal bands, with the likes of Genedefect becoming regulars following its 2006 relaunch. It also hosted a nightclub.

Though it was once one of the region's top entertainment venues, the pub had been described as an “eyesore” by local press and residents as it sat dormant. Owner Sam Mustaca told Fairfax regional paper The Hawkesbury Gazette last March that he was struggling to find a use for the space, but confirmed it would not be returning as a pub due to the business climate in the region.

Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the blaze, but are hoping to begin an investigation this morning once the site is deemed safe for fire investigators to enter.