After 116 years of serving the local community, Fremantle-based entertainment hub and pub, the Leopold Hotel, is set to close in October.

Last week (28 August), 6PR Perth “confirmed” the rumour that the historic venue, bordered by the highway that inspired AC/DC’s iconic hit, Highway To Hell, will close at the end of next month and reportedly be replaced by apartments.

“The Leopold Hotel has confirmed that it will be closing in October,” the radio station shared on Instagram. “John Hughes MG Rumour Files was told that the hotel is going to be knocked down and be replaced with apartments, but the hotel fell short of confirming the future plans.”

It seems a spokesperson for the hotel has confirmed the Rumour File.

“We can confirm that the Leopold Hotel will be closing in October at the conclusion of our lease term,” hotel spokesperson Mel Clifton told 7 News.

“We have loved serving our local community over the years and would like to thank our loyal customers.”

In a small comfort for staff, Clifton assured patrons that “we will provide employment for all team members.”

The Music has reached out to representatives of the Leopold Hotel for comment.

The Leopold Hotel has long been a favourite of Fremantle punters. Built in 1907, the venue is located south of the river, just shy of Freo on the Canning Highway. 96 FM noted that AC/DC’s original singer, Bon Scott, “was known to frequent this southern stretch from the Leo to Freo before AC/DC tore up the stage at the Raffles.”

In 2019, Perth Festival Director Iain Grandage discussed the impact the venue and Canning Highway had on Bon Scott.

“For years, Bon walked this iconic southern stretch of Canning Highway from the Leopold Hotel in Palmyra to Fremantle, and AC/DC lit up the Raffles Hotel with legendary gigs,” Grandage said.

He added, “The idea of closing down the highway to celebrate a favourite son is an exciting way to celebrate our city and bring the curtain down on the 2020 Festival.

“Everyone is invited. As Bon Scott sings in the song that inspired this event: ‘And all my friends are gonna be there too.’”

The highway that inspired the AC/DC classic, Canning Highway, connects the Perth Kwinana freeway to the port of Fremantle. It was home to many of Bon Scott’s favourite haunts, including the Raffles Hotel and Leopolds.

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