The saga of the Cranker (aka the Crown & Anchor Hotel) is a long and twisted tale. When news broke a year ago that the heritage pub had been threatened with closure due to a 19-storey student development, concerned patrons leapt into action. Facebook groups were formed, petitions were signed, rallies were held – hell, Coopers even stepped up to make a beer for the occasion.
Eventually, the Premier stepped in with special legislation designed to “secure the long-term future of the Crown & Anchor Hotel as a live music venue”. It was good news, but the deal fell short of stopping the Wee Hur development, which was now reconfigured to be 29 storeys high and required the demolition of neighbouring venues Roxie’s and Chateau Apollo.
Last month it was announced that the Cranker (and upstairs pasta bar Midnight Spaghetti) would close in mid-July as developers rolled in to commence a two-year build.
Speaking to Broadsheet at the time, owner Tom Skipper said the team was looking for a temporary venue to use during the construction. “It won’t be the same,” he said. “But we’re bringing as much of the old energy as we can.”
Yesterday it was announced that the Cranker and Midnight Spaghetti would be moving into the Edinburgh Castle for two years.
For a long period, the Ed Castle held the title of Adelaide’s oldest licensed pub. It went into liquidation in 2024 after a prolonged struggle also kicked off by a student housing development being built next door.
It’s a fitting combination, since both pubs were beloved for their heritage features and live music.
In a statement, Tom Skipper told supporters, “The move ensures that our team stays together, our music continues and our community still has a place to call home.”
He thanked the state government and the Premier for their support.
“The Ed Castle is a venue with deep history and, with our team at the helm, we’ll be breathing new life into its walls with the same music, culture and heart that has made the Cranker an institution. The best part? We’ll be keeping all the things that make us who we are: live music, Wednesday night specials and now, a full pub kitchen to add to the experience,” says Skipper.
He says the team is committed to making the Cranker’s “next chapter just as legendary as the last.”
The Cranker will open at the Ed Castle in late-July.
