Overview
Maybe you danced all night in the backroom. Maybe you saw King Gizzard or your mate's brother's friend's band play. Maybe you — like the rest of Sydney — celebrated your 18th birthday at the bar. Or maybe it was so long ago that you don't really remember the specifics. Point is, The World Bar is where so many Sydneysiders spent their weekends (and money on cocktails in teapots) back when the Cross was pumping. So it's with sad news that we report that the Kings Cross institution will close forever tomorrow, Wednesday, November 28.
Owner Steve Ward has naturally described the closure as "heartbreaking stuff". World Bar has been operating for 18 years and, in that time, has hosted over countless party fiends and music lovers, as well as over 4000 DJs and 1000 bands, including Flume, DZ Deathrays and Gang of Youths.
In a statement released today, Ward say it was "undeniable" that the lockout laws have had a "huge impact" on his business and Sydney's live music scene. In February last year, the venue was granted a half-hour extension on its lockout and last drinks on the basis that it provided legitimate live entertainment and that it had a good police record and liquor law compliance history. Unfortunately, despite doing things right, it doesn't seem this was enough to keep the bar afloat.
Even so, with recent pressure mounting to remove the lockout laws, Ward is going out with hope. He's encouraging anyone who love nightlife to go out and get amongst it. "There are great venues and incredible music alive in the Cross and surrounding areas," he said in a statement. "So please get out there and support all our incredible friends...still battling away for their love of live music."
The bar will go out with one last party tomorrow night. Wednesday night party crew The Wall has pulled together a lineup of artists and DJs for once last boogie, and teapots will be going all night. Just remember: lockout is 2am and last drinks are at 3.30am.
The World Bar's final show will kick off form 10pm on Wednesday, November 28 at 24 Bayswater Road, Kings Cross.