Iconic Crabbe Hole cafe closes after 17 years over $10 entry fee ‘debacle’
An iconic Bondi Beach cafe in Sydney has been forced to close after claims a $10 ‘debacle’ led to a major decline in customers.
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Sydney’s iconic Crabbe Hole cafe has shut after 17 years after customers were slapped with a controversial $10 entry fee.
The cafe has brought in major celebrities, including Margot Robbie and America Ferrera, since it first opened in 2007.
Owner Andrew Crabbe confirmed the sad news via social media on Wednesday, thanking loyal customers for their patronage.
“End of an era folks. Thanks for coming for the last 17 years. It’s been a pleasure serving you all,” Mr Crabbe wrote on Wednesday.
The cafe had allegedly been forced to introduce $10 fees for customers in a move by the site’s owner, Bondi Icebergs Winter Swimming Club.
The fee was reportedly brought in to put an end to customers gaining access to the oceanside pools.
“I’m sorry I never managed to sort the $10 entry fee debace. It was my undoing at the end,” Mr Crabbe wrote on Facebook.
“They maintain that (the fees) had no effect on my patronage. My figures prove otherwise.”
“I shall miss seeing you. Thanks for everything.”
Mr Crabbe told 9NEWS the fee had resulted in a 25 per cent drop in customers.
Many have taken to social media to express their sadness at the news.
“Devastating — our happy place in Bondi...Icebergs was indeed lucky to have you. An entry fee impacting cafe access definitely changes everything,” one person commented.
“What a loss! The Crabbe Hole was one of my favourite parts to visiting the bergs...it’s unfortunately typical of the club ruling... instead of collaborating with the community. I hope you start something close by,” another wrote.
“You and the Crabbe Hole are an institution! It’s part of what makes Icebergs a community... I hope you take some solace to know that your cafe was a dear ritual for so many,” another said.
“I am sorry about the regrettable entrance fee. It was delusional to not think it would not have impacted the cafe. It’s truly their loss, and, ours too.”
Originally published as Iconic Crabbe Hole cafe closes after 17 years over $10 entry fee ‘debacle’