Fire sweeps though Marrickville’s Royal Exchange Hotel killing pub cat
Locals have been left reeling after several floors of a historic inner west pub were gutted in a suspected arson attack that killed the much-loved hotel cat ‘Whisky.’
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Locals have been left reeling after several floors of a historic pub in Sydney’s inner west were gutted by fire in a suspected arson attack that killed the much-loved hotel cat ‘Whiskey.’
The blaze tore through The Royal Exchange on Marrickville Rd in Marrickville just before midnight.
The first and second floors of the 100-year-old, recently renovated building were destroyed in the inferno.
Forensic investigators will on Tuesday scour the wreckage after a bottle of accelerant was found outside the building, where a man was also seen running from the scene.
About 20 people – staff, patrons and two residents living upstairs – had to be evacuated from the building when the fire broke out with several being treated for the effects of smoke inhalation.
According to police, the pub’s much-loved pet cat ‘Whisky’ was tragically killed in the blaze.
Inner West Police Commander Superintendent Sam Crisafulli said police are hunting for a male aged about 20, Asian appearance, wearing a blue polo shirt.
“He was seen leaving the scene via Garners Ave in Marrickville and we’re very interested in speaking to this person. We’re also canvassing for CCTV and are confident we will get good footage.”
Supt Crisafulli said police will investigate several lines of inquiry around the motive, including disgruntled former staff or customers.
“We will be lifting up every stone to work out possible motives for why this occurred.”
He said the patrons were lucky not to be killed or seriously injured after they were trapped by flames.
“It’s brazen, it’s cowardly … It’s reckless and the potential for loss of human life is very, very real in this situation,” he said.
NSW Fire and Rescue Superintendent Scott Dodson said patrons had to be evacuated through the window after fire tore through the stairwell.
“As the fire developed in the stairwell, the safest way to evacuate those people was off the awning and down a ladder.”
The hotel’s construction manager Gerard Lebreux said he couldn’t understand why someone would want to destroy the pub, especially after the hardship of the recent lockdown.
“Someone has attacked the venue with fire. It’s too early for me to say why but someone was obviously upset for whatever reason,” he said.
“It’s a shame they’ve attacked a place like this because a lot of people come here, it’s always busy.”
“The [pub] owner is very upset, especially about the cat.”
The cat’s owner Emily Dee has paid tribute to Whisky, remembering him as a favourite among locals.
“He was beautiful, very cheeky, loving, affectionate, locals loved him,” she said.
“He will be dearly missed and always remembered.”
Ms Dee rescued Whisky more than a year ago and he has been venturing out to the pub to greet locals ever since.
“He loved sitting near the fire and sitting in the beer garden when the footy was on... Locals would feed him their leftovers.”
“He lived in the pub.”
The family-owned pub had been renovated only six months ago with the pub, gaming room and bistro refurbished.
Despite the setback, Mr Lebreux is confident the venue will be able to get back on its feet.
“Depending on the damage, we’ll get there. We can fix it. We’ll bounce back, we can fix it and get everyone back in to enjoy the place.”
The loss of Whisky, on the other hand, is something the pub won’t be able to replace.
“He was part of the pub so we’ve lost part of the pub. The material things we can fix but poor Whisky, we’ll remember him.
“He had a bit of character, always in the bistro getting fed. He roamed around and everyone liked him.”
Local resident Joe Karadjrin, who has visited the pub almost weekly for 30 years, says it is a big loss for the community.
“It’s a big blow to the community. There’s lots of people who have come here for 30 years,” he said.
The fire started on the second floor with police now wanting to speak with a man seen running from the building when the fire broke out.
NSW Fire and Rescue Scott Dodson said that while damage from the fire was extensive, parts of the building remain intact.
“The fire started on the second level but we have had fire damage on the first and second level,” he said.
“The fire swept through very fast but it (the pub) hasn’t been destroyed.”
Fire crews and police will comb through the wreckage this morning to determine the cause of the blaze.
“Fire investigators will be working with police to investigate the cause of the fire,” Supt Dodson said.
Marrickville Road between Silver Street and Gladstone Street has been closed as the operation continues, with motorists urged to avoid the area.
Anyone who may have information about the man’s identity, or has dashcam vision relevant to the investigation, is urged to call Inner West police or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
Join the conversation
Cops launch probe after gunshot concerns
Reports of gunshots ringing out and the discovery of a bullet hole-riddled car in the nation’s capital last week has sparked a police probe.
Read more
Man ‘hearing voices’ busted hoarding modified guns in shed
A man who claims he “hears voices” after suffering a serious brain injury was caught hoarding multiple homemade and modified guns in a South Coast garden shed.
Read more