Cranker Announces Temporary Closure This July
The South Australian Institute will continue to live on at a temporary venue while construction takes place at the original site of the historic pub.
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2024 was a hell of a year for the Crown & Anchor. After developers Wee Hur threatened to tear down the watering hole and erect student accommodation, the community banded together, and with the help of the Save the Cranker campaign and the SA government, the pub’s future as a live music venue was secured.
Part of that deal included the closure of the pub for roughly 24 months while the student accommodation was built. Set to occur in mid-2025, the date has now been confirmed by Cranker proprietor Tom Skipper, who took to social media to announce the pub would temporarily shut its doors in July.
Although sad news, Skipper wants people to remember that “The Cranker isn’t just a pub; it’s a family, a legacy and a home to so many.” It’s all about the people, and we couldn’t agree more. “While we might be shifting locations temporarily, the spirit of this place—its people, its music and its memories—will remain untouched. 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.”
It’s not just the Cranker impacted by the closure, with Roxie’s, Midnight Spaghetti and Chateau Apollo all forced to shut their doors. Sadly for Midnight Spaghetti, the future of the business is up in the air, with no immediate relocation.
An Italian favourite, Midnight Spaghetti will be sorely missed, although Skip plans to bring the venture back once the Cranker returns. “Midnight Spaghetti has always been more than just a place to eat—it’s been a place to share stories, celebrate, and unwind,” says Skip. “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.”
Roxie’s, Chateau Apollo and Midnight Spaghetti might be no more, but the Cranker will continue to live on in a temporary home. Skip expressed his commitment to ensuring the transition is as smooth as possible. “We are here to support our Cranker family—our staff, our bands, our regulars— because they are the ones who make this place special. This is a pause, not an end, and we’ll be back bigger and better.” More details on The Cranker’s new location will be announced soon. Until then, come down, grab a drink and make these final months in our historic home ones to remember. Stay tuned. The best is yet to come.”
Keep up to date with everything Cranker-related here.
