Beloved queer bar The Bearded Tit has announced it will close its doors in November this year.
Owner Joy Ng broke the news on Instagram earlier this week.
She told fans that the business will not be for sale and cannot be ‘saved’.

The Bearded Tit has spent the past 11 years providing a creative space for queer artists and storytellers. However, owner Joy Ng has announced it will close its doors in November of this year.

In a heartfelt message to fans and customers, Ng wrote on Instagram:

After 11 incredible years, The Bearded Tit will be closing its doors in November this year.
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This decision comes from a deeply personal place. I am at a stage in my life where I want to expand my horizons and explore a career outside of hospitality. It has been the privilege of a lifetime to be part of this community, to witness the joy, creativity, and resilience that has filled this space night after night.

The Bearded Tit opened in 2014, establishing itself as not just a bar, but a community clubhouse and safe space where people could express themselves. Known for its unique decor, where nothing quite matches, yet everything belongs, the words ‘Free Love Not Free Beer’ greet customers venturing into the eclectic venue. Suspended knitted penises, a collection of animal heads and an abundance of intriguing art are among the quirky decor items.

Knitted penis — Past artwork showed at the Tit includes these hanging knitted penises. (Image via Facebook @thebeardedtit)

The Bearded Tit was started by three friends who met through performance art. They wanted to create a safe space for marginalised groups to express creativity, enjoy a beer and meet like-minded people.

In her statement, Joy wrote:

“The Bearded Tit has been so much more than a bar. It has been a sanctuary for queer, POC, and other historically underrepresented communities. Through our arts, performance, and cultural programs, we’ve had the honour of showcasing Sydney’s most exciting emerging creatives as well as artists from beyond our shores. Every performance, every gathering, every moment of connection has been held by this community’s unwavering support.”

What happens next?

In her statement, Ng told fans of the bar that the business will not be available for potential buyers. She continued,

“While I deeply appreciate the love and support of the Tit community, I am not looking for the venue to be ‘saved’. Comments of love and appreciation are welcomed however, the business will not be for sale. This decision is final and I ask that you respect this.”

Although fans will be disappointed that this really is the end if the Tit, Ng told the Star Observer that the reason she didn’t want to sell the business to anyone that could tarnish its legacy. She stated:

“I wouldn’t want peoples’ memory of the Tit to be anything that is done by someone else that isn’t aligned with our values.”

Ng did express her excitement for the future of queer nightlife in Sydney, something that her bar has promoted and spearheaded in its 11 years. She finished her statement by saying,

“I hope this ending will usher in new beginnings for all of us and I am excited to see what the next iteration of Sydney’s queer nightlife looks like.”

Bearded Tit Redfern — The funky, eclectic interior at the Bearded Tit. (Image via Facebook @thebeardedtit)

Take home a piece of the Tit

For those who want to keep some Tit memorabilia as a reminder of the good times, Ng announced that people would have the opportunity to purchase some part of the bar after it closes. She said,

“For those of you that want to keep a piece of The Tit, we will have a market day shortly after closure. You will be able to purchase pieces of our fit-out or memorabilia for those of you that want to take a tangible piece of this space with you.”

It’s not clear yet what will be on sale, however, what better way to remember the Tit than to take home some of its funky decor with you.

The bar will stay open until November, with frequent weekly events still occurring as normal. For more information on what’s on, head to their Instagram @thebeardedtit.