Pub owner says high prices were necessary to keep business afloat.

The Carringbush Hotel, a beloved venue that has stood in Melbourne for 135 years, will be closing its doors this Sunday. In a heartfelt announcement on their Facebook page, the hotel shared that the increasing cost of running the place has become too much to bear. It is a bittersweet decision, but one that the owners have made with the best intentions in mind.

Co-owner Liam Matthews spoke to the Australian Financial Review about the difficult decision to close the Carringbush. He explained that expenses have been rising, from wages to beer prices, and it has become unsustainable to keep the business afloat. "The cost of everything in Australia for hospitality right now is just horrendous," he expressed. Despite their best efforts, they have found that they are putting more money into the till but receiving less profit in return.

To keep the business going, the owners would have to raise the price of their popular Mountain Goat lager from $15 to $20 per pint. However, even with this increase, it would not be enough to cover the rising costs. "Places are closing hard and fast because it's the path of least resistance and the most economically viable way to get out," Matthews shared with the AFR. This tough reality is not just affecting the Carringbush, but also other venues in Melbourne such as The Olive Jar and La Luna Bistro, which have also announced their closures in the past five days.

The Carringbush, which had a grand re-opening in 2019, will not be taking any bookings for its remaining days. They are also "winding down" their much-loved meat-free pub menu. However, they are still encouraging customers to come in and celebrate the venue before it closes its doors for good. In a final gesture of appreciation, they have also invited their loyal patrons to join their WhatsApp channel to stay updated on any future endeavors. "Stay across all the latest in breaking news, celebrity and sport via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details," they shared. It is a heartbreaking end to a long-standing Melbourne establishment, but the memories and experiences shared within its walls will always be cherished.

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