Iconic Melbourne Irish pub to shut after 27 years
A popular inner city boozer has announced last drinks just months after the venue was reportedly sold to new owners.
Restaurants & Bars
Don't miss out on the headlines from Restaurants & Bars. Followed categories will be added to My News.
An iconic Melbourne boozer has announced it is closing its doors after 27 years and serving almost two million pints of Guinness.
Owners of Irish pub The Quiet Man in Kensington have promised to send off the venue in style, with last drinks to be on St Patrick’s Day.
“After 27 years of pints, tunes, Irish food, and mighty craic, The Quiet Man will be closing – going out with a bang on St Patrick’s Day (17th March) being our last day of trade,” a message on the pub’s social media pages read.
“We want to say a massive thank you to everyone who’s ever walked through our doors – whether you were here for a quick pint, a Sunday session, or just to remind yourself what Guinness is supposed to taste like.
“You’ve made this place more than just a pub – you’ve made it a home.”
Opened in 1998, the Racecourse Rd pub has become a favourite for Flemington punters and Irish expats alike.
Hundreds of past and present pub locals have flooded the venue’s social media pages with tributes to what one called “the best pub in Melbourne”.
“Been my local since I moved in 2006. Very sad for the area. One of my best memories was watching Australia vs. Japan in 2006 in the front bar. My liver is still recovering!” one customer wrote.
“So sad and sorry to hear. This pub was where my partner and I met 25 years ago and has always been a favourite place for us to celebrate all our occasions,” another wrote.
“Good food, good drinks, music and a happy environment.”
Others said the pub’s closure marked the “end of an era”.
“Some fantastic days and nights in the QM, memories that we’ll never forget,” one patron said.
“If I buy two pints every single night until I die will you stay open,” another asked.
It was reported in October last year new owners Zengal Group had acquired The Quiet Man, and were set to take over operations at the end of March 2025.
At the time, publication The Shout reported new co-owner Zenita O’Neill said the purchase was “not just bricks and mortar for us” as she and business partner James Gallagher had both previously worked at the venue.
Real estate agency LemonBaxter also said in October there were more than 100 inquiries about purchasing the property which sold in just 59 days.
The agency said its new owner-occupiers had plans to “refurbish and breathe new life into the establishment”.
Zengal Group was contacted for comment.
Originally published as Iconic Melbourne Irish pub to shut after 27 years