On Monday night, Adelaide’s nightlife scene was dealt a blow as four popular venues announced they would be closing. Roxie’s, Chateau Apollo and Midnight Spaghetti on Grenfell Street and Stem on Hindley Street will all shut their doors, marking the end of an era for some of the city’s most iconic places.
After 14 years, both Roxie’s and Chateau Apollo will close on May 25th. Roxie’s has had many names over the years, including Little Miss Mexico, SuperFish, CrabShack, and Little Miss Miami, and has always been more than just a garden bar. Chateau Apollo, too, has played a huge part in Adelaide’s nightlife and creative scene, hosting everything from weddings to festivals, and providing a space for both music fans and partygoers.
As these venues make way for a new student accommodation tower, approved by Singaporean developer Wee Hurm, Roxie’s and Chateau Apollo will officially bid their final farewells.
“I’ve dedicated over 14 years of my life to making these venues come alive. It’s been more than a job – it’s been my passion and my purpose,” Managing Director Tom Skipper said. “To our staff, our friends, our loyal patrons – you are what made this place special. I can’t thank you enough for the memories, the music and the madness. Let’s give Roxie’s and Chateau the farewell they deserve.”
Just down the street, the Crown & Anchor Hotel, a leader in Adelaide’s live music scene, will temporarily close its doors for some updates to its acoustics. But don’t worry Cranker fans, it won’t be gone for good. The team will be moving to a new location for the next two years, where they’ll keep serving cold beers and providing live music. While the venue is getting updated, the team promises the spirit and community will stay strong in its new home.
“While we might be shifting locations temporarily, the spirit of this place – its people, its music and its memories – will remain untouched,” Skipper said. “We’ll be doing everything we can to ensure the heart and soul of the Cranker live on and we’re counting on our community to come with us on this journey.”
Last year, Adelaide celebrated a major win with new legislation that secured the future of the Crown and Anchor Hotel. The laws protect the building from demolition or being hidden by new developments. As a result, developer Wee Hurm has been granted approval to build the 29-story student accommodation tower next to the pub (where the other three venues are), while preserving the historic pub.
Midnight Spaghetti, the go-to pasta spot on Grenfell Street for first dates and late-night hangouts, will serve its last bowl in mid-July. Unlike the Crown & Anchor, Midnight Spaghetti won’t be moving right away, but the team hopes to bring it back when the Cranker reopens.
“The love and support from our community have been incredible, and while this chapter is closing, I have no doubt that we’ll be back, ready to serve up more plates of pasta when the time is right,” Skipper said.
Separately, Stem, a popular restaurant and cellar in Adelaide’s West End, also announced its closure on the same night. After six years, Stem will close its doors on March 2nd. In a social media post, the restaurant shared its regret about closing, explaining that it had become too difficult to keep the business going.
“It has been a great pleasure over the last six years to have created a beautiful, hospitable restaurant and bar experience in the West End,” the post read. “Sadly, it has been increasingly difficult to remain viable, and we have had to make the difficult decision to gracefully retire and close the restaurant.”
Adelaide’s nightlife is certainly changing as these iconic venues say farewell. Whether it was the fun nights at Roxie’s and Chateau Apollo, the late-night pasta dinners at Midnight Spaghetti, or the live music at the Crown & Anchor, these spots have played a huge role in shaping the city’s culture.
While their closures mark the end of an era, their memories will live on in the hearts of those who spent time there. Adelaide will always remember the magic these venues brought to the CBD.
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