Crown And Anchor To Temporarily Close Its Doors
"This isn't goodbye, just a long intermission."
The Crown and Anchor (Google Maps)
An official statement from The Crown and Anchor has just been released that reveals that the historic venue will be closing its doors from mid-July 2025.
The beloved pub, which recently celebrated its 171st birthday, is considered an icon of South Australian live music. The counter-cultural institution was recently saved from demolition, largely due to uproar from the city of Adelaide’s pub-goers and music-lovers. A deal was brokered with the Singaporean developers who initially planned to raze the venue in pursuit of erecting student accomodation.
Premier Peter Malinauskas declared in mid-August that the government would propose “special-purpose legislation to secure the long-term future of the Crown and Anchor Hotel as a live music venue and provide ongoing protection for key live music pubs in the City of Adelaide against noise complaints from future residents.”
Now, head honcho Tom Skipper has announced that the pub - affectionately dubbed “The Cranker” - will be closing its doors for around 24 months.
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“For over 170 years, the Crown and Anchor hotel has been a cornerstone of Adelaide’s music and pub culture. A place of unfiltered energy, unbreakable traditions, and unforgettable nights,” a statement posted to the venue’s official Instagram account reads. “When Singaporean developer Wee Hur acquired our block some time ago, there was uncertainty. Thanks to the relentless passion of the Save The Cranker campaign and negotiations between the SA government and Wee Hur, the Cranker has been saved in full perpetuity. The venue’s historic walls will stand the test of time.”
The reality of the redevelopment, however, means that operations as they stand will be forced to halt temporarily. Skipper states, “It’s an unavoidable break, but one that opens the door to something even bigger: The Cranker’s new home. We’re in the final stages of securing a temporary venue to keep the spirit alive. And we’ll have more news on that very soon.”
Though the news of a temporary venue in place of The Cranker is still exciting, Skipper acknowledges that he and his team are “heartbroken to see Roxie’s, Midnight Spaghetti, and Chateau Apollo close their doors.”
The closing to the official statement is poignant: “To everyone who’s walked through our doors, played our stage, or stood in the footpath with a beer in hand - this isn’t goodbye, just a long intermission.”
Tom Skipper urges patrons of The Cranker to “stay tuned.”
This piece of content has been assisted by the Australian Government through Music Australia and Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body
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