The sad news that one of Sydney’s best late-night bars, Frankie’s Pizza, was officially shutting up shop was revealed earlier this year. Known internationally for its grungy edge and salty pizzas, the underground CBD bar was to permanently close for the sake of a new metro station. A date wasn’t set for the decade-old bar’s last hurrah but via social media the owners have now called last drinks for Frankie’s Pizza on Sunday, December 11.
In less than a month, the bar that at one point single-handedly shouldered the weight of Sydney’s fledging night-time economy will exit its location on Hunter Street, along with neighbouring laksa institution Malay Chinese Takeaway.
The site is needed by the City of Sydney for the construction of Hunter Street metro station.
Throughout the past 10 years, Frankie’s Pizza has been one of the last bastions of after-midnight drinks in a post-lockout-law Sydney. It’s also been a long-standing favourite amongst visiting musicians, hosting more than a few big names for intimate gigs including members of Megadeth, Steel Panther, White Zombie and Cheap Trick. Rock royalty Dave Grohl and Debbie Harry have both been to Frankie’s Pizza as customers. Hell, even Iggy Azalea used to frequent the bar when she was in Sydney.
RELATED: The Best New Restaurants In Sydney
Now, all that history is about to be smashed up for the sake of the CBD’s ongoing development.
While Malay Chinese Takeaway will be vacating its current digs only to relocate to the forthcoming Sydney Place precinct on top of Central Station, Frankie’s Pizza has yet to confirm any new location.
Instead, the owners behind Frankie’s Pizza will be using their final weeks to stage a stack of farewell shows and events from Thursday, December 1. This will include ‘The Final Feast’ on Sunday, December 4, a swan song for Frankie’s World Famous House Band on December 5, and TNT Trivia on Tuesday, December 6 where the grand prize will be an entire year’s worth of Young Henry’s.
The owners have even managed to nab Wolfmother for one last gig at the venue on Wednesday, December 7, reportedly taking place alongside Hard Rock Karaoke.
And after all the dust is settled from Frankie’s farewell week, the bar will be hosting one final party on its closing date, which just so happens to coincide with the venue’s 10th birthday. Needless to say, they’ll likely be pulling out all stops for this one so expect the kind of queue Sydney hasn’t seen since Purple Sneakers called last drinks at The Abercrombie in 2010.
To keep on track with all the Frankie’s Pizza closing events, keep an eye on the bar’s official Instagram page.
