Shady Pines Saloon, Swillhouse’s First Sydney Venue, Is Closing

When Swillhouse opened Shady Pines Saloon in 2010, it was at the vanguard of Sydney’s small bar explosion, sparked by major changes to the state’s liquor licensing laws in 2008. It was one of the city’s first true speakeasies, where whiskey and fresh apple juice flowed till late and the peanuts were free. But with that patch of Darlinghurst currently being redeveloped, Shady Pines has called last drinks.

The bar’s inconspicuous door will close on Wednesday April 23, as the wider building undergoes works as part of the TOGA Group’s Oxford & Foley project.

“We opened at the start of Clover Moore’s small bar revolution,” the team wrote on Instagram. “Seizing the moment to create something different – grassroots, cool, from the heart, and maybe the best little bar in the country.

“It was simple: country music, no natural light, plenty of rye whiskey, finely made cocktails, and, of course, whiskey apples.”

The news comes in the wake of a turbulent year for Swillhouse and the wider hospitality industry. In August last year, after a months-long investigation, the SMH published a report detailing allegations of sexual misconduct against the group behind six Sydney venues: Shady, Le Foote, Caterpillar Club, Hubert, Alberto’s Lounge and The Baxter Inn, plus the now-closed Frankie’s Pizza. It claimed the group fostered a dangerous work environment: one rife with drug and alcohol misuse, sexual misconduct and a leadership team that failed to adequately address complaints.

“The people that are making money are doing it off our broken bodies,” said one bartender, quoted in the Sydney Morning Herald. “This industry that I have given so much to has completely f---ed me over.”

In February this year, it was reported that four ex-Swillhouse staff are seeking damages from the hospitality group, and are being represented by globally renowned employment lawyer Sheryn Omeri KC.

Shady Pines Saloon will pour final drinks on Wednesday April 23, 2025.

@shadypinessaloon