Owners of Sydney’s iconic Lansdowne Hotel leave over landlord’s hostel decision

Sydneysiders are in disbelief after another iconic venue announced a controversial move as restrictions finally begin to ease.

Sydney’s iconic Lansdowne Hotel has announced its live music space is closing, but unfortunately for punters fond of the rock ‘n’ roll haven, this time it appears to be permanent.

The three-tiered pub, located on the corner of Broadway, refurbished itself in 2017 and became a hub for mid-tier bands and performers, offering shows throughout the week featuring a variety of local and touring acts.

Mary’s Group owners Jake Smyth and Kenny Graham announced that they will be ending their time at the famed Lansdowne Hotel by April 2022, because the current landlord requested the music space be turned into hostel accommodation.

According to the pair, the move to gut the brand-new space to turn into another floor of accommodation in the high-priced suburb was “not part of our vision”.

The development marks yet another closure of an iconic Sydney spot, after Frankie’s Pizza announced in 2021 it was being forced to relocate due to similar developmental pressure in the inner-city.

The Lansdowne owners thanked punters and artists for their support in rebuilding the venue over two short years, before the coronavirus pandemic threw another spanner in the works for the industry.

“We are heartbroken to announce that our time with the beloved Lansdowne Hotel is coming to an end. Our lease is due to expire in the coming months, and the Landlords have chosen to close the Gig Room to build more Hostel accommodation,” Mary’s Live posted to Instagram.

According to the pair, the move to gut the brand-new space to turn into another floor of accommodation in the high-priced suburb was “not part of our vision”.

“This was not a part of our vision for the Lansdowne, and as such, we have decided to call time on our custodianship of this iconic live music venue.

“We will be working with the Landlords to facilitate the remaining shows until the end of April. Our reopening of the Lansdowne in June 2017 marked a seismic shift in the Live Music scene in Sydney, after years of closures and devastating lockouts.”

The pair, who also manage Mary’s Underground near Circular Quay, promised to open further venues in the city to support the live music industry.

“We promise to continue to build stages and create spaces for the voices of our glorious city to emerge,” they said.

“We thank every artist and staff member who played and served their community over the past five years. Because of you, the Lansdowne moved from a lifeless building, into one of the busiest live music venues in the country.”

The revitalised upstairs performance space was highly regarded by musicians in the local scene, with stellar sound equipment and acoustics offering artists much more than a run-of-the mill corner pub.

Local musician Nigel Malcolm, who has performed at the venue several times since its refurbish, says the move is a massive blow for small bands picking themselves up after two years of restrictions and uncertainty.

“One of the last bastions of Sydney‘s live music scene has been cast aside for pure profit. I wonder if they’ll play any music in the apartments that replace it,” he told news.com.au.

Punters and musicians took to Twitter to hold a digital vigil for the Lansdowne after the news broke.

Absolute tragedy and another loss of an iconic Sydney venue. So many great memories at the Lansdowne. https://t.co/1RcQPL2v4Q

— Alexander Pan (@alexandervpan) February 2, 2022

The lansdowne stage was one of my favs. pic.twitter.com/oM6gZTek9u

— James Swinbanks (@j_swinbanks) February 2, 2022

absolutely heartbroken to hear about the Lansdowne, saw so many phenomenal gigs there. Last one being @BudjerahS

Such a huge hit to the ever dissolving Sydney music scene. https://t.co/nMjmm2x3AE

— AltheaKuz (@KuzAlthea) February 2, 2022

Of course it's a tragedy the #Lansdowne is ceasing being a venue again.
But it can hardly be surprising.
And switching to more backpacker hostel beds?
That hardly seems a money maker for at least this year and the next.
Ah, Sydney. #Covid19nsw

— ross clelland (@rnclelland) February 2, 2022

The Hopetoun, The Sando, The Annandale, Newtown Social Club, The Newsagency, Frankie's, The Lansdowne + countless more.
When will it stop?#BringBackLiveMusic

— MickRad (@mickrad) February 2, 2022