Hindley St club Dog and Duck set to shut their doors for good in the new year

One of Adelaide’s most iconic and controversial nightclubs is set to shut its doors for good next year.

One of Hindley Street’s most iconic nightclubs will serve its last drinks on New Year’s Eve. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Emma Brasier

One of Adelaide’s most controversial nightclubs is set to close its doors in the new year, throwing one final party to say goodbye to its staff and patrons.

On Thursday, Hindley St nightclub Dog and Duck announced it would be shutting its doors for the final time on January 1st, but was “encouraging all regulars to come cheers a drink” in their final weeks.

The club management took to social media to announce the news, which they say was prompted by issues caused by the pandemic.

Hundreds of patrons commented on the post, expressing their sadness at the closure.

Dog and Duck Hotel Hindley St closed in Adelaide City. Picture Campbell Brodie

“First of all, we would like to thank all of our staff and patrons for their support over the past seven years,” the club said.

“Dog and Duck navigated its way through Covid and the years since best we could, but the landscape has changed to the point that there is uncertainty through our whole industry.

“It is with a heavy heart that we wish to inform you that as of January 1st, Dog and Duck will be closing its doors for good.”

The post has already been shared more than 200 times, with almost 1000 people sharing their disappointment that the venue wouldn’t be opening next year.

“Very sad to see such a big staple of the Adelaide night-life industry go under after so many years,” one person said.

Dog and Duck owner David O'Connell. The nightclub is set to close in the new year. Picture: Keryn Stevens

“It was a place full of talented and promising DJs.”

Others reflected on some not-so-good times they spent at the venue.

“I’ve been banned more times than I can count but I was always treated with big respect from this club,” a patron said.

“It’s the end of an era.”

The club, which has been no stranger to controversy in recent years with questionable advertising tactics, was open about its business struggles during Covid, especially while venue restrictions were in place.

Lineups outside on Hindley Street. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

In 2020, the club suffered like many other venues when Covid-19 restrictions banned standing and drinking, dancefloors and cut capacity for nightclubs.

The club seemingly managed to bounce back after restrictions were lifted, with lines outside the venue resuming on Friday and Saturday nights in recent years.

However, the club came under fire for several entry offers over the years, including handing out condoms and offering free entry for those who brought them back used.

In another promotional bid, the club advertised they’d be offering “real life puppies” in the venue for patrons to take home.

Concerned social media users flocked to the comments and reported the matter to the RSPCA, which said they had been “inundated with calls, which was a waste of valuable resources.”