Brighton Hotel mourn death of ‘beloved bartender’ Anna Toka

The Brighton Hotel are mourning the death of their ‘beloved’ bartender Anna Toka, who died suddenly on Saturday.

The Brighton Hotel are mourning the death of their ‘beloved’ bartender Anna Toka, who died suddenly on Saturday.

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The Brighton Hotel are mourning the death of their ‘beloved’ bartender Anna Toka, who died suddenly on Saturday after problems with her heart.

The death of the 48-year-old has sent shockwaves throughout the business.

“We are devastated to advise of the passing of our beloved bartender, friend and Darlinghurst institution Anna Toka at only 48 years old,” the hotel shared to their Facebook page.

“Anna was a beautiful, gentle soul whose smile would lighten anyone’s day.

“She is sorely missed by all of us.”

One resident, Al Campbell said, “This is so sad, Anna was the kindest person.”

“Always would be smiling, loved books and gave me plenty to read, was always very generous.

The Brighton Hotel are mourning the death of their bartender, Anna Toka.

“A lot of fun and always made me laugh. She will be missed greatly.”

Venue Manager, Andrew Mavris said Ms Toka was the mother of the pub, and said the pub wouldn’t be the same without her.

“Everything she did was quirky,” he said.

“The pub pretty much runs the way Anna likes it to run.

“The staff are not their normal selves that’s for sure.”

Mr Mavris said Anna’s death not only had an impact on the venue, but “pretty much all of the hotels on the stretch of Oxford St, the staff have not been themselves.”

Despite her death, Mr Mavris said things will continue to run the way Anna liked it.

He said staff could get away with anything as long as they had Anna’s approval.

“The place will definitely change, it will not be the same pub,” he said.

Mr Mavris said the bartender was well known along Oxford St for her quirky personality.

“She had been working with the Brighton for five-years, before that she was at the Gaslight Inn for 20- plus years.

“All the regulars, everyone knew her,” he said.

“Even our non-regulars that have moved out of the area would pop in from time to time to say hello to her.

“She is the mother of the pub.”

Mr Mavris said the Brighton Hotel will be having drinks on Thursday from 5pm in honour of Anna, and is inviting everyone to come along and celebrate her life.