Announced today, The Hop Inn and accompanying business Brew Crew Coffee has officially closed its doors.
In an absolutely devastating blow to the local dining and music scene, The Hop Inn Mt Duneed & Brew Crew Coffee has announced it will be permanently closing its doors from today, Tuesday, January 31.
In a lengthy statement to social media, the owners revealed the closure comes from a range of financial stresses and uncertainties. Apologising to their staff and regular customers, The Hop Inn admitted that continuing to trade in the current climate was untenable due to rent increases, family health issues and lack of long-term venue security.
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“Unfortunately, The Hop Inn, Mt Duneed & Brew Crew Coffee will be closing as of today,” the statement read.
“The current situation of the business off the back of years of covid impact has left the decision to keep trading untenable. Around six months ago the landlords increased our rent by close to 100% along with the fact they now will not guarantee any further lease terms and offer no support in maintaining a safe building. With current family health issues at the forefront of our mind moving forward with such a financial burden on the business along with the cost of running a business in the current financial climate and no security with our lease has caused great unsustainable stress. The Hop Inn has been a big part of so many people’s lives, and we close with a heavy heart as we know it is a great business that offers so much to so many.
“We survived Covid somehow but that had a lasting impact that the business still feels to this day. We thank all of those who supported us by having takeaway from us during those crazy lockdowns and restrictions. Too the staff who worked for us during the covid times we want to thank you. Your flexibility along with your creativeness in what was a very difficult time helped the Hop and Brew Crew stay alive. You kept coming into work not knowing what was coming next and we respect what you all did and what you achieved was fantastic.”
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“So after a good run we are going to say goodbye,” the post continued.
“We hope you will understand why this has come to be. We are sorry we won’t see you all again but if you have supported us at any stage just know we thank you and we would not have survived this long without you.”
You can read the full statement on the Hop Inn’s Facebook page here.
Since taking over Odyssey Craft Brewing and opening as The Hop Inn, this venue had become one of the region’s go-to place for a cheeky hot wing deal or huge takeaway parmigiana for those out Mount Duneed/Armstrong Creek way, but they’ve also long been huge supporters on the local live music scene, regularly hosting acoustic performances over summer.
In recent years they even upgraded their cosy outdoor space with a brightly-lit marquee complete with fire pits, gas heaters to keep you safe, sheltered and extra warm as the icy wind picks up down the Coast. With a great vibe that’s a big hit in summer, the Hop Inn had you covered with fresh food and fine ales that the pub has to offer both inside and out without compromising on comfort.
This one definitely hits us right in the heart. We will miss you immensely The Hop Inn – thank you for everything over the years!
