Historic Marrickville pub evacuated, and cat dies after arson attack
A historic pub in Sydney’s inner west was gutted by fire in a suspected arson attack that tragically killed the pub’s cat ‘Whiskey’.
The Royal Exchange on Marrickville Rd, which was only recently renovated, caught fire just before midnight, destroying both the first and second floors of the 100-year-old building.
A bottle of accelerant was found outside the building where a man was also seen fleeing the scene.
The hotels construction manager Gerard Lebreux said he couldn’t figure out why someone would want to do this.
“Someone has attacked the venue with fire. It’s too early for me to say why but someone was obviously upset for whatever reason,” he said.
“It’s a shame they’ve attacked a place like this because a lot of people come here, it’s always busy.”
The loss of ‘Whiskey’ is very upsetting for the owners and pub patrons alike.
“He was part of the pub so we’ve lost part of the pub. The material things we can fix but poor Whiskey, we’ll remember him,” said Lebreux.
According to NSW Fire and Rescue Scott Dodson, the fire damage was extensive but parts of the building remain intact.
Around 20 people including staff, patrons and two residents had to be evacuated with several being treated for the effects of smoke inhalation.
Irit Jackson, 7th December 2021
