Sydney cocktail institution Kittyhawk will close its doors at the end of January 2026, bringing an end to a decade-long run at 16 Phillip Lane.
The venue, which first opened in January 2016, announced its closure following the end of its current lease, citing market conditions that have prevented securing a new agreement at the site.
“It is with sadness that we announce the closure of Kittyhawk after such a long time at 16 Phillip Lane,” said the Kittyhawk team in a statement.
“Back in January 2016 when we began building Kittyhawk we knew that the space was going to be something amazing and it hasn’t disappointed. We have had the opportunity to host 348 weddings, 606 birthday celebrations and countless other milestones with our loyal customers.”
Over the past ten years, Kittyhawk has evolved from its Parisian-inspired cocktail bar beginnings into Kittyhawk New York, a live music venue built around the energy, music and food of the city that never sleeps.
Owner Jared Merlino, known for Big Poppa’s on Oxford Street, led the venue’s most recent chapter, shifting the focus to DJs five nights a week, Italian American dining, and a louder late-night identity. The transformation included a new DJ booth and lounge, anchored by a hand-crafted mosaic mural of Busta Rhymes.
“Unfortunately, we have come to the end of our current lease, and the market conditions do not allow for us to continue with a new lease where we are,” said the team. “We hope that we may be able to find another space for the Kittyhawk journey to continue, but for now it is goodbye.”
For now, Kittyhawk is preparing to farewell Phillip Lane – with one final party still to come.
“We want to say a huge thank you to all of our loyal customers, friends and staff that have made Kittyhawk the amazing venue it is,” the team said.