Kit and Kaboodle to reopen, eight years after closing its doors

One of the most iconic venues in Kings Cross is also planning to reopen its doors, in hopes of becoming another establishment to make a successful comback.

Another famous Sydney nightclub is set to make a return.

After closing its doors eight years ago, Kings Cross nightclub Kit and Kaboodle will reopen on November 14.

The venue was owned by the Keystone Group, which had venues like Cargo Bar, Bungalow 8 and Manly Bar before going into receivership in 2016 and selling off it’s portfolio.

Now former Keystone owner John Duncan has resurrected the Kings Cross nightclub, which is housed in the Potts Point Hotel.

Duncan, along with a team of investors, bought the freehold of the pub and they’ve been laying in wait to relaunch the club.

Kings Cross icon, Kit and Kaboodle will relaunch. Picture: Supplied.

“Kit and Kaboodle had a great run but with the lockout laws, the precinct got knocked around. But as the other parts of the precinct have come back to life, we thought let’s bring back the good times,” he said.

“There was hesitation to jump on something that has been and gone, but I see no reason why not.”

It comes at a time when some of Sydney’s most renowned clubs have made a come back. World Bar tested the waters with a successful pop-up last year. While in the city, Cargo Bar and Chinese Laundry have had successful reopens.

In Kings Cross, hospitality owner behind Franca and Armorica, Andrew Becher has reopened his brand Pelicano, however rather than as a nightclub it’s a restaurant and lounge bar. It’s taken the spot of the old Hugo’s on Bayswater Road.

Icebergs Maurice Terzini is also due to open a cabaret bar on the strip.

Duncan explains that because of Sydney’s now defunct lockout laws, there is a whole generation who never partied in Kings Cross.

Owner of the bar, John Duncan, said while the look might have changed, the ideology is the same. Picture: Supplied.

“This whole precinct has skipped a generation but now there is a good reason to come back here.”
While the space of Kit and Kaboodle has changed in appearance, Duncan said the ideology hasn’t.

“It’s good drinks, friendly staff and a good time... how it used to be.”

For the month of November, 30 venues have joined force for “Light Up The Cross” campaign, which, marking a decade since lockout laws ended, hopes to re-energise the nightlife precinct with venues offering glow in the dark cocktails.