PHOTO: Russel Crowe, 59 (pictured with Britney Theriot), spent almost two hours at the pub on Saturday, meeting with owner Margaret Hargreaves and her three daughters.
Russell Crowe is on the brink of acquiring one of Sydney‘s few remaining classic corner pubs known for its vintage ’tiles and carpet’ charm. The celebrated Hollywood actor expressed his deep fondness for the Shakespeare Hotel in Surry Hills. He reminisced about playing pokies at this establishment during his early days as a young actor, frequently performing at the nearby Belvoir Street Theatre.
The iconic Shakespeare Hotel, in Sydney’s Surry Hills is up for sale and major Hollywood movie star
Russel Crowe, 59 (pictured with Britney Theriot), spent almost two hours at the pub on Saturday, meeting with owner Margaret Hargreaves and her three daughters.
At the age of 59, Crowe spent nearly two hours at the pub over the weekend, engaging in discussions with its owner, Margaret Hargreaves, and her three daughters. The Academy Award-winning actor insisted that all key members of the Hargreaves family involved in the business be present for his pitch, which is rumored to exceed $12 million.
Crowe went on to tour each of the pub’s three floors, which house boutique accommodations, a bistro, and private dining areas. He even ventured into the cellar, demonstrating his keen interest in the establishment.
Onlookers observed the reactions of the regular patrons to Crowe’s unexpected appearance, describing it as a mixture of astonishment and curiosity. Crowe was overheard delivering an impassioned speech to the Hargreaves family, emphasizing his desire to preserve the pub’s ‘family-friendly atmosphere’ if he were to acquire this iconic establishment. Affectionately known as the ‘Shakey,’ the pub has been a beloved Sydney institution since its inception in 1879.
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Strategically located approximately 300 meters from Central train station and on the route to the Sydney Cricket Ground and Allianz Stadium, the Shakespeare has long served as a gathering spot for supporters of the South Sydney rugby league club, which Crowe owns, as well as fans of the AFL’s Sydney Swans. Additionally, the pub has welcomed a diverse clientele, including figures from Sydney’s arts, business, and media circles, as well as offering a comfortable haven for some of the city’s less affluent residents.
Over the years, the pub has attracted notable actors such as Mel Gibson, Geoffrey Rush, Jacki Weaver, Rose Byrne, Brendan Cowell, and Bill Hunter. It has also been frequented by sports stars, major crime squad detectives, and the occasional underworld figure. Situated across from one of Sydney’s notorious public housing commission blocks, the Northcott estate, colloquially known as ‘The Suicide Towers,’ the Shakespeare has witnessed its share of historical events, including a tragic shooting rampage in 1990.
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Margaret Hargreaves has been the pub’s owner for a remarkable 45 years, initially leasing it on Anzac Day in 1975 before eventually purchasing it outright. She and her family resided on the premises for many years. The decision to sell the Shakey was a significant one for her, as she expressed in an interview when the venue was put up for sale.
Russell Crowe’s unannounced visit to the iconic Sydney establishment caught around 25 patrons by surprise. Accompanied by two associates and a couple of real estate agents, he left his rented vehicle parked on Steel Street while he inspected the pub. Outside, fans of the Sydney Roosters, rivals of Crowe’s South Sydney Rabbitohs, gathered to watch their team play the West Tigers at Allianz Stadium.
Reports suggest that Crowe first expressed interest in purchasing the Shakespeare about a decade ago, drawn to its vintage charm. Locals seem generally receptive to the idea, though some are wary of Crowe becoming too involved in the pub’s operations, recalling a past musical venture of his.
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Like many pubs and clubs in Sydney’s once-thriving hospitality scene, the Shakey has faced various challenges in recent years, including disruptions caused by the construction of Sydney’s light rail and prolonged closures due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Business has shown signs of recovery recently, and with the city’s nightlife gradually returning to its former vitality, the Hargreaves family believes it’s the right moment to retire and explore new opportunities for their iconic asset.
Should Crowe indeed acquire this multimillion-dollar establishment, locals hope he will uphold his commitment to preserving its cherished character without making significant alterations.
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