After less than two years in business, European-inspired Bar Julius and Mexican rooftop restaurant Lottie are closing their doors at the end of August.
The two venues in Sydney’s inner south are both located inside The Eve Hotel Sydney and owned by Liquid and Larder.
Prominent Sydney group The Apollo Group will take over the two spaces as the latest jewels in its crown of luxury bar-restaurants.
The hospitality group already operates the neighbouring Olympus Dining venue, The Apollo and Cho Cho San.
Redfern’s Bar Julius announced the closure on Tuesday in a short but sweet Instagram post.
“Bar Julius will be closing its doors at the end of August,” the post said.
“We’d love to see you before last drinks.”
Many locals were shocked to hear the news, commenting to ask why the venue was shutting down after only launching in early 2025.
Bar Julius and Lottie owner James Bradey said the venues had not hit necessary financial targets.
“I’m really proud of what we’re doing, but we haven’t hit the heights financially (that) we’d like,” he told The Sydney Morning Herald.
Mr Bradey also acknowledged the name Bar Julius contributed to its downfall, creating the idea the “bar” was only open at night.
“We were originally going to call it Baptist, but another venue in the development opened before us,” he said.
“It’s certainly more successful at night … maybe we should have called it Bistro Julius or just Julius.”
The iconic spot is an all-day venue where The Eve Hotel guests can eat breakfast.
The Apollo Group’s takeover is the latest step in the $500m Redfern Wunderlich Lane precinct, which boasts a grocer, boutique hotel and several restaurants.
With Australian businesses struggling amid the cost-of-living crisis, many key Sydney spots are shutting down.
Many in the local music scene were devastated after MoshPit Newtown announced its plan to close in November.
The inner-west institution cited surging costs for its decision, describing it as one made with “truly heavy hearts”.
Having operated as a platform for emerging punk and alternative acts since 2016, the announcement marked a big loss for the local live music scene.
Read related topics:Sydney