A beloved Australian pub has left its loyal Sydney customers ‘devastated’ after announcing it will close its doors for the last time.
The Unicorn Hotel in Paddington, famous for its classic food, cold beer and “good times”, is now the latest victim of the cost of living crisis.
This follows the recent closure of other Sydney dining institutions: Testuya’s in Sydney City, Bistrot 916 in Potts Point and Big Poppa’s in Darlinghurst.
“To our beloved regular customers, those who support us unconditionally, those who visit us once a month and the strangers who stay at 2am… we have sad news. Sunday, September 1st will mark the end of our management of the Unicorn Hotel,” read an announcement on Instagram.
The owners, who are also behind Mary’s of Newtown, took over the iconic Paddington corner in 2017, calling themselves “a bunch of idiotic friends who were given the opportunity of a lifetime”.
Fans were shocked to learn of the Paddington institution’s impending closure, with many calling it the “end of an era”.
The Unicorn’s kitchen has built a solid reputation for refusing to serve fussy gastropub-style food and instead focusing on traditional, comforting dishes.
The breaded schnitzel with wing served with gravy and mash and the iconic Jatz biscuits with homemade French onion dip were part of local food folklore.
The Unicorn Pub has been under the management of the same owners behind Mary’s in Newtown since 2017, devastating fans by announcing it will be closing its doors on September 1.
His famous wing schnitzel in parmi version, served with fries and a cold beer, was a big crowd favorite.
“I’m very impressed with the food – some of the best pub food I’ve ever had,” said one fan.
“The best schnitty in the world,” another agreed.
The Unicorn bar continued the old-school vibe, focusing on local wine and cold brew, rather than the usual array of craft beer from microbreweries.
The absence of poker machines created a welcoming space for a unique and festive pub atmosphere, where a loyal community of young regulars came to enjoy good music, darts, pool, dancing and trivia.
Shocked fans couldn’t believe the sad news and many told how much the Unicorn Hotel had been a part of their lives.
The iconic Unicorn Jatz biscuits with homemade French onion dip were a bar snack like no other, and very popular with regulars.
The Unicorn Hotel was known for its no-frills approach to food and beer, and aimed to revive classic Australian pub culture, without the slot machines.
The beloved Paddington institution is set to close at the beginning of September, marking the “end of an era” for the local community.
“I had my first date with my wife here, over a schnitty. We will miss her,” said one man.
“The Unicorn will always be the ultimate example of Australian pub food and culture,” added another.
“For seven years it’s been impossible to have a bad time at the Unicorn. These are many of my favourite moments in Sydney. What a coup!” said a third.
Others wished the owners the best of luck in the future.
“God bless you, legends without slot machines,” said one man.
The closure announcement comes at a time when restaurants, cafes and other small businesses across the country are closing in record numbers.
And it’s not just small businesses that are struggling: popular US burger chain Carl’s Jr. placed 20 Australian locations on voluntary lockdown last week.
The news will affect hundreds of jobs across Australia, particularly in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.
Carl’s Jr first opened on the New South Wales Central Coast in 2016, marketing itself as a high-end fast food chain, with more expensive prices than its competitors.
The business model has proven fatal in the current economy, as Australians spend less on takeaway food and cook at home instead.