Siren Bar and Restaurant, a beloved establishment in Gungahlin, has unexpectedly gone into liquidation just days before Valentine’s Day, leaving many local patrons in a lurch. However, in a show of community spirit, Cypher Brewing Co has stepped forward to honor all Valentine’s bookings made at the now-closed venue.
The closure was announced on Wednesday, February 11, when a notice was placed on the bar’s front door, indicating that Slaven Torline had been appointed as the liquidator for Gungahlin Restaurant and Bar Pty Ltd. Despite this, the bar had continued to accept payments for a “Valentine’s dinner for two,” leading to confusion and disappointment among customers.
Cypher Brewing Co’s Intervention
Jeff Wilson Shipley, co-founder of Cypher Brewing Co, revealed that Dan Gaul, the owner of Siren Bar, had reached out for assistance. “Dan has done a huge amount for Canberra,” Shipley told Region. “We wanted to ensure that couples could still enjoy a meal out together despite the unfortunate circumstances.”
Shipley confirmed that anyone with a paid booking at Siren Bar would be provided with a dinner and drink of equivalent value at Cypher Brewing Co during the Valentine’s weekend. “We are in the midst of trying to collect all the information,” he added, emphasizing the brewery’s commitment to supporting the community.
Community Reaction and Concerns
The news of Siren Bar’s closure has sent ripples through the Gungahlin community. Local resident and community stalwart John Mikita expressed his disbelief, stating, “Gungahlin has a few local institutions we all know and love, and sadly, we’ve just lost one of them.”
Many patrons shared their concerns on social media, particularly regarding the bar’s acceptance of bookings and payments on the day it went into liquidation. One customer noted,
“Very interesting we paid upfront for Valentine’s dinner $180 and now tickets etc have disappeared?”
Another commented on the plight of the staff,
“Very sorry for the staff who are waiting to be paid! They only found out [on 11 February] in a group chat. Not hopeful for them.”
A Look Back at Siren Bar’s Legacy
Opened by Dan Gaul in 2011, Siren Bar quickly became a staple in the Gungahlin community. Known for its monthly themed nights, live entertainment, and creative cocktails, it was a popular gathering spot for locals. In 2021, it was recognized with the Best Pub Eatery award by the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) ACT Hospitality and Tourism Awards.
Despite its success and community presence, the sudden closure has left many in shock. As of this morning, Siren Bar’s website and Instagram pages remain active, although its Facebook page has been deleted. Efforts to contact both Dan Gaul and Slaven Torline for comment have yet to yield a response.
Implications and Next Steps
The closure of Siren Bar highlights the vulnerabilities faced by small businesses, especially in the hospitality sector. The move by Cypher Brewing Co to honor Valentine’s bookings is a testament to the strong sense of community and support among local businesses in Canberra.
As the situation unfolds, patrons and staff of Siren Bar await further developments. Meanwhile, Cypher Brewing Co’s intervention provides a glimmer of hope and continuity for those affected by the sudden closure.
The community will be watching closely as the liquidation process progresses and as other local businesses potentially step in to fill the void left by Siren Bar’s departure.
