Strathalbyn cafe Hammer N Tongs into liquidation, closes owing $400,000

A “shattered” Fleurieu cafe has gone suddenly into liquidation owing $400,000, saying it faced “hurdle after hurdle, restrictions and road works”.

A popular Strathalbyn cafe has abruptly closed owing more than $400,000, citing “hurdle after hurdle” that have made it too hard to continue.

Hammer N Tongs said it was “shattered” by its end and had been forced to deal with “restrictions, road works and staffing”.

It opened in the former Commonwealth Bank building in just before the Covid pandemic hit its peak in 2020, but has now posted on social media that Sunday was its final day.

The owners said the decision was “made suddenly and has been extremely tough for us”.

“We are still trying to comprehend and are absolutely devastated,” they wrote.

“We are so proud of what we have achieved in this short time. Going from a local bank to a successful buzzing cafe with night-life.

Hammer N Tongs cafe in Strathalbyn has closed down abruptly. Picture: Supplied

Hammer N Tongs cafe in Strathalbyn has closed down abruptly. Picture: Supplied

“We knew starting a small business would be hard, unfortunately we opened two weeks before the peak of a pandemic, which made things even harder.

“Since then, we have faced hurdle after hurdle with restrictions, road works and staffing. The start-up costs paired with ongoing pressures have become too much to continue, we never envisioned our journey ending like this and are shattered.”

The cafe’s phone is disconnected and its website contains a message saying it has now closed.

Hammer N Tongs is the latest in a spate of SA hospitality businesses to close as costs spiral – especially electricity bills – and patronage plummets.

Jetty Road institution Cardone’s has revealed its last day will be Wednesday.

The Little Banksia Tree, Enzo’s Ristorante, the Edinburgh Castle, Folklore Cafe, Morris Bakery, Red Square, and Lost in a Forest have closed while Big Shed Brewing is in administration and battling to keep its doors open.

Adelaide queer bar My Lover Cindy is battling for survival and popular wester suburbs cafe Karma and Crow is moving to a new site after a “very very tough time” financially.

Hammer N Tongs cafe in Strathalbyn has closed down abruptly. Picture: Supplied

Hammer N Tongs cafe in Strathalbyn has closed down abruptly. Picture: Supplied

Liquidator Tony Matthews said the cafe went into liquidation on Monday, but the good news was all employees had been paid.

The cafe employed more than 20 staff, mainly casual, he said, and had closed with debts to creditors “a little north” of $400,000.

The owners thanked the Strath community, saying its support had helped them create a cafe they had wanted.

Hammer N Tongs cafe in Strathalbyn has closed down abruptly. Picture: Supplied

“Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way, our staff, our loyal customers and our wonderful suppliers, you’ve all played an important role,” they wrote.

“Whether it be the chatter from the parklet, smell of fresh food and coffee, laughter behind the bar, a catch up with friends and family or dancing the night away. We are proud of the good times had and the atmosphere we’ve all felt.”

They ended their post urging people to “please buy local and support small businesses”.

“Without you it’s not possible,” they wrote. “We have had such an amazing journey and will hold this place, staff, customers and memories close to our hearts.”

Hammer N Tongs were contacted for comment.