First ever women’s sports bar in Australia closes after five months: ‘We couldn’t hold on any longer’.
Quote:A women’s sports bar opened with much fanfare and enthusiasm but just a few months later, it’s had no choice but to call last drinks.
The first women’s sports bar to open in Australia has closed down just a few months after launching with much fanfare.
The Ladies League opened at a prime spot in Sydney’s bustling Oxford Street in August but unfortunately announced its closure soon afterwards, on New Year’s Day.
The venue posted on social media on Wednesday night that it was “with a heavy heart” they would not be opening their doors again.
“As a women’s sports bar we excelled,” The Ladies League wrote, adding that they had great turnouts at Matildas, Sydney FC and grand final games.
“Unfortunately it is outside of live games that we felt the struggle as much as many other hospitality venues in this economic climate.
“We knew we had a fantastic product on offer but unfortunately as a small business, we couldn’t hold on any longer to try any new approaches.”
The Ladies League was founded and run by 34-year-old Rose Valente, who also runs a digital only sports publication with the same name.
Ms Valente told media she drained her savings and even sold her investment property to fund the bar.
She scored a prime spot in the heart of Darlinghurst, at a two-storey, 80-seat venue which she decorated with a black and pink colour scheme.
Banks weren’t keen on extending her a loan — Ms Valente has previously said they found the venture “too risky” — but she managed to fundraise from her loyal base of readers and others keen on the novel concept.
Hundreds of fans spent money on foundation memberships to get their names written on one of the upstairs walls, and at the same time other fans sponsored particular areas of the bar — tables, benches, and even toilet cubicles.
Matildas and Melbourne Victory midfielder Alex Chidiac contacted Ms Valente to offer support and ended up sponsoring a bench.
Meanwhile, an Instagram follower donated a signed Australian women’s cricket shirt.
The plan was to show live women’s sport matches and in the quiet periods, display replays of women’s games. Men were also welcome at the pub and Ms Valente said she was open to showing a men’s game if that was what her patrons wanted.
The venue boasted six TVs and one big screen with a bar section downstairs and a viewing lounge upstairs for the rowdier customers.