The iconic Double Deuce Lounge, once the vibrant heart of Sydney's nightlife, is set to close its doors on Bridge Street, leaving a void in the city's social scene. But why is this beloved bar, crowned Bar of the Year in 2025, calling it quits? The answer lies in the changing landscape of post-pandemic Sydney.
The COVID-19 Effect:
"It's not the same energy anymore," laments Sebastian 'Cosmo' Soto, co-owner of Double Deuce, echoing the sentiments of many in the hospitality industry. The once-bustling Friday nights, a hallmark of the bar's success, have fizzled out. "Fridays were our prime time, but the pandemic changed everything." The new work-from-home culture has dealt a significant blow to the late-week trade, leaving venues like Double Deuce scrambling for alternatives.
A Strategic Pivot:
Rather than succumbing to the challenges, Double Deuce is reinventing itself. Soto reveals plans to relocate to a smaller, more cost-effective site in the Sydney CBD, adapting to the new economic reality. "We're downsizing, but we're not out of the game." This move reflects a growing trend among hospitality businesses, forced to adapt to a reduced number of peak days.
The Ripple Effect:
The impact of this shift is felt across the board. Kitchen by Mike, a renowned restaurant on Bent Street, has also closed its doors, citing a noticeable drop in trade on certain days post-COVID. Mike McEnearney, former Rockpool head chef, admits that the city's hospitality scene is now at the mercy of office occupancy, especially on Mondays and Fridays. "It's a challenging time for all of us." And they're not alone. The acclaimed Korean fine-dining restaurant Allta has relocated to Surry Hills, seeking a more vibrant atmosphere and foot traffic.
A New Chapter:
As Double Deuce prepares for its final days on Bridge Street, Soto remains hopeful for a pre-Christmas surge. The bar's departure leaves a void in the northern CBD precinct, raising questions about the future of Sydney's hospitality scene. Will the city's nightlife ever regain its pre-pandemic glory? And is the work-from-home culture here to stay, reshaping the very fabric of urban social life?
What do you think? Is the closure of iconic venues like Double Deuce an inevitable consequence of changing work patterns, or is there more to the story? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and let's explore the evolving landscape of urban entertainment together.
