Cape Town bids farewell to a beloved institution as the Crowbar Pub in Waterkant Street has closed its doors after an impressive 128-year run. This historic pub, which first opened in 1896, has been a cherished fixture in the city’s CBD, for locals and visitors alike to unwind.
Lester Kiewit recently spoke with Reinhold Scheer, the current owner of the Crowbar, to gain insight into the reasons behind the pub’s closure. Scheer, who purchased the Crowbar in 1996, expressed deep sadness over the decision but cited unavoidable circumstances as the primary cause.
According to Scheer, the landlord’s plans to completely redevelop the building meant that the Crowbar would lose its heritage charm. “It’s scary. It is an empty shell. It is all gone,” said Scheer. The redevelopment plans, which involve significant structural changes, would strip away the character that has made the Crowbar a unique and special place in Cape Town’s CBD.
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The end of an era
The Crowbar has seen generations of patrons walk through its doors, from regulars who became like family to tourists seeking an authentic Cape Town experience. Over the years, it has hosted countless gatherings, celebrations, and even quiet moments of solitude for those who found comfort in its warm, inviting atmosphere.
Scheer laments the broader trend of losing historic venues in the city. “We are losing the character [in the CBD]… and with it the special feel,” he noted. The closure of the Crowbar marks yet another chapter in the ongoing transformation of Cape Town’s urban landscape, where old and cherished establishments are making way for new developments.
Despite its closure, the Crowbar’s legacy will live on in the memories of those who made it a frequent hang-out spot. From its wooden bar counters worn smooth by decades of use to the friendly banter of bartenders who knew regulars by name, the essence of the Crowbar remains etched in the hearts of many. The establishment was more than just a place to eat and drink; they were woven into the social and cultural fabric of the city.
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Images: Pexels
