Melbourne Irish pub The Quiet Man to pour its last drinks after 27 years

A beloved Irish pub in inner-city Melbourne that grew to become a popular haunt for Flemington racegoers and expats has decided to shut its doors after 27 years.

A beloved Irish pub in inner-city Melbourne has decided to shut its doors. Picture: Instagram

A beloved Irish pub in inner-city Melbourne has decided to shut its doors, leaving loyal customers “devastated”.

The Quiet Man, which sits just down the road from the Flemington Racecourse in Kensington, announced their closure on Monday.

Since opening in 1998, the pub has become a popular haunt for Flemington racegoers and Irish expats, hosting weekly Irish dancing classes, a singing club and live music.

“After 27 years of pints, tunes, Irish food, and mighty craic, The Quiet Man will be closing,” the owners wrote on social media.

“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.”

The Quiet Man is located just down the road from the Flemington Racecourse. Picture: Instagram

The local institution will officially pour its last drinks on St Patrick’s Day next month.

“There’s still time to squeeze in a few more rounds, belt out a few more songs, and send The Quiet Man off in proper style,” they said.

“So round up your mates, pop in for one (or several), and help us give this grand old pub the farewell it deserves.”

The Herald Sun previously revealed plans for the pub to be demolished to make way for a proposed nine-storey, $12m apartment block under plans with Melbourne City Council.

But it’s understood the pub was rescued last year by Zengal Hospitality Group, run by Irish expats Zenita O’Neill and James Gallagher, who bought it for an estimated $4.5m.

Hundreds of customers flooded the business’ social media with comments about their “devastation”.

“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. Good food, good drinks, music and a happy environment,” another wrote.

“Great pub, a lot of memories. Beer taxes are the cause of great pubs going under. Can’t believe this country is doing this to local pubs,” said another.

The local institution will officially pour its last drinks on St Patrick’s Day next month. Picture: Instagram

The Quiet Man was designed and built in Dublin and then reassembled in Kensington in 1997.

It comes as various pubs across Victoria have shut in recent times, as the hospitality industry battles soaring ingredient and operation costs, rents and taxes, amid a cost of living crisis and lack of discretionary spending.

Country pub, Radio Springs Hotel Lyonville located near Daylesford, announced its closure earlier this year.

Abbotsford’s historic Carringbush Hotel closed its doors last year, citing “the financial pinch”, just a few years after undergoing a makeover.

The Bendigo Hotel in Collingwood also shut last year due to financial pressures, including a 300 per cent spike in insurance costs.

Originally published as Melbourne Irish pub The Quiet Man to pour its last drinks after 27 years