26-05-2025
Beloved Sydney institution shuts its doors after five iconic years: 'Always a great night out, devastating'
A beloved slice of Sydney 's Northern Beaches has played its final tune.
Market Lane Live, the buzzing open-air venue tucked behind the Corso in Manly, has officially closed its doors after five years of serving up live music and countless cocktails to locals and beachgoers alike.
The cherished hotspot, known for its electric atmosphere and support of emerging Aussie talent, made the announcement over the weekend, leaving a noticeable gap in the heart of Manly's social scene.
'After 5 years, 2,000+ gigs, and countless shared bevs – we're out,' the heartfelt Instagram post read.
'To everyone who stopped by over the past few weeks to say goodbye, thank you – it's meant the world.'
Since its inception in 2019, Market Lane Live carved out a unique place in Manly's social scene.
Nestled in the heart of the Corso, it was the ultimate summer soundtrack venue and a magnet for music lovers craving acoustic Sundays, late-night jams, and a bustling tourist crowd.
The venue was a consistent champion of local talent, hosting thousands of live performances from emerging and established Aussie musicians.
The open-air space was especially beloved during the warmer months, when punters would flock in post-swim, to soak up live tunes under fairy-lit trees.
It quickly became a go-to for pre-dinner drinks and friends and family gatherings thanks to the relaxed outdoor setting.
While the closure has left many fans saddened, the good news is that the Market Lane Live team won't be disappearing entirely.
Their farewell message reassured patrons that the crew will continue to showcase live music at their other Northern Beaches venues like Donny's, Henry G's, InSitu, and The Hold.
'While we're devastated to be packing up, our crew's not going far... Come say hey if you're missing us.'
Fans flooded the comments section with love, sharing memories and sadness over the popular venue's departure.
'Really enjoyed the use of this space. Thank you for bringing the entertainment,' wrote one follower.
'Always a great night out. Wish there were more places with this vibe,' added another.
The exact reason for the closure has not been publicly disclosed, though it comes at a time when many hospitality businesses across Sydney are grappling with rising rents, changing foot traffic, and post-pandemic recovery pressures.
In December last year, one of Australia's top chefs announced that his two-hatted restaurant was also closing for good after an 'extremely challenging' year.
Josh Niland and his restaurateur wife Julie revealed the imminent closure of their seafood restaurant Petermen in St Leonards on the lower North Shore of Sydney.
The 60-seat fine dining restaurant, run by head chef Tom Foster, was hugely popular but couldn't seem to make the space work in the long-run.
'Our time on Chandos St, St Leonards, has brought a lot of joy to us and our team, and we have welcomed the most incredible guests,' Josh said in a statement.
'However, the past 12 months have been extremely challenging for independent businesses within the hospitality industry.
The couple opened Petermen in February 2023 - after their hugely successful fish restaurant Saint Peter and takeaway spot Fish Butchery.
'We are incredibly grateful to our team, who will continue with us at Saint Peter and Fish Butchery,' Josh said.
'A big thanks to our suppliers, incredible guests, and everyone who has assisted in making Petermen a special restaurant to dine in'.
