Crabbe Hole cafés $10 entry fee becomes the catalyst for closure
A $10 entry fee is the catalyst for the closure of the popular Crabbe Hole café, which has sat oceanside at the Bondi Icebergs since 2007.
Owner Andrew Crabbe announced the closure on social media saying: "End of an era folks. Thanks for coming for the last 17 years. It's been a pleasure serving you all."
The café has hosted everyone from locals to A-list celebrities including Margot Robbie, Issa Rae and America Ferrera.
The fee was implemented by site owner Bondi Icebergs Winter Swimming Club to prevent customers from bypassing fees to use the oceanside pools.
Previously café customers could access the pool but weren’t allowed to swim. While, Crabbe tried to find an alternative, he couldn’t come to terms with the site owner.
"I'm sorry I never managed to sort the $10 entry fee debacle," Crabbe told 9News.
"They maintain that it had no effect on my patronage. My figures prove otherwise. I've been running the business at a loss until a year ago when I finally broke even," Crabbe said.
He claims he has lost around 25 per cent of his customers.
"I survived two Covids, two lockdowns, two La Ninas."
One social media user sympathised: "Clearly too good to be true. I was worried how you would survive once the pool admission rules changed. It certainly was a deterrent to me visiting."
Another said: "Needless to say we are devastated that it has come to this after so many wonderful years.”
Bondi Icebergs Winter Swimming Club is yet to comment.
Jonathan Jackson, 2nd September 2024
