In a sudden and unexpected turn of events, The Walrus, a beloved bar in St Kilda, has closed its doors just six weeks after being named Bar of the Year by The Age Good Food Guide. The closure, announced on December 17, 2025, stems from a conflict between the bar’s directors, leaving the future of this local favorite uncertain.
The Walrus, situated on Inkerman Street, opened in December 2023 and quickly became a neighborhood staple. Known for its unpretentious vibe and high-quality offerings, including Wapengo Rock oysters and affordable wines, it was a hit with locals and critics alike. However, a since-deleted social media post on December 10 revealed that director Martin Webster and his partner Amy McGouldrick, who managed the bar, were stepping away to focus on their new venture, The Carpenter’s Ruin, taking all staff with them.
Behind the Closure: A Tale of Two Partners
The Walrus is currently listed as temporarily closed on Google, with a closure notice from Webster taped to its front window. Micheal Weal, the other director, is not involved with The Carpenter’s Ruin and has stated that reopening The Walrus is challenging due to the staff’s departure.
Webster and Weal’s partnership dates back to their days working in Sydney kitchens in 2005. They joined forces to open The Walrus with Webster investing $120,000 and Weal $70,000. However, tensions arose, and Weal became a silent partner. Documents reveal that Webster offered to buy out Weal’s share for $70,000 in November, an offer Weal declined.
Financial Strain and Legal Battles
Compounding the internal strife, Weal blocked business credit cards and moved $100,000 from The Walrus’ account to a now-locked Amex account as a precaution against potential misuse of funds for The Carpenter’s Ruin. This action left The Walrus struggling financially, unable to meet its commitments to staff and suppliers.
“I was genuinely doubtful we would be able to pay the next rent and the staff,” Webster stated, highlighting the financial precariousness.
Webster expressed regret over the situation, emphasizing their commitment to ethical business practices. “We’ve worked for crap people in the past. We don’t want to be those people. We pay our super weekly, all our suppliers are paid,” he said.
The Carpenter’s Ruin and Future Prospects
The opening of The Carpenter’s Ruin has been a significant factor in the breakdown of relations. Although Weal approved a loan from The Walrus to the new venture, he claims it was with a verbal agreement for a stake, which Webster denies. The loan has since been repaid, but the damage to their partnership appears irreversible.
Weal is currently consulting insolvency experts to evaluate the financial state of The Walrus and explore the possibility of reopening independently. “We’re still investigating … We’re doing our due diligence on that one,” he remarked, indicating a cautious approach to the bar’s future.
Looking Ahead: A Year of Challenges
Meanwhile, The Carpenter’s Ruin is thriving, absorbing all former staff from The Walrus. Webster and McGouldrick are also focused on reopening Tonc, their Mornington Peninsula venue, which suffered a fire on its opening weekend.
“2025 has been a lot,” Webster confessed. “Amy and I are in grief. We love The Walrus space so much, we put everything into it, and we would go back into it in a heartbeat. Hopefully, that will happen one day.”
The closure of The Walrus marks a significant moment in St Kilda’s nightlife scene, reflecting the complexities of business partnerships and the challenges of maintaining a successful venture in the hospitality industry. As the dust settles, the local community waits to see if The Walrus will rise again or if its legacy will become a cherished memory.
