AMID the dust from the demolition of one of Sydney’s oldest pubs, the venue has been remembered as a home for bikies, punters and rugby league stars.
The Royal Oak Hotel in Parramatta is being demolished to make way for the $2.4 billion Parramatta Light Rail project despite protests from locals and history buffs who were forced to watch yesterday as cranes and heavy machinery tore down parts of the building. Historian Gary Carter told The Daily Telegraph the Royal Oak was only one of a handful of historic pubs in Parramatta.
“It was officially opened in 1813 but before that, it was probably just a grog shop,” he said. “John Tunks built the pub properly in 1821. It really is an institution here.
“There aren’t a lot of historical pubs around here anymore. There is the Rose and Crown that dates back to 1824 and The Albion, which dates back to the soldiers’ settlements. It is not like in town where there are lots of historical pubs. We don’t get to keep ours, it seems.”
Cranes and excavators moved into the pub on Tuesday night, tearing down the roof and walls of the building.
However, the heritagelisted Cobb & Co stables at the back of the existing pub will remain. The hotel has long been a haunt of Parramatta Eels players and fans.
With players in the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s regularly using the saying: “The game always starts and finishes at the Oak.”
There was also a time in the ’90s when the Oak was a favourite pit stop for bikies during their rides throughout the western suburbs.
Those who have campaigned against the demolition have had a tortuous wait from the time last drinks were poured on Australia Day until this week.
But local Ray Samuel was still stung at the sight of the dozers moving in yesterday.
“I think it is pretty sad. I understand we can’t keep all the old pubs but they are a part of our history, there is very little left,” he said.
“Our future generations won’t know what these great old pubs look like.’’
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Source: The Daily Telegraph (Sydney)