02/07/2026
After leasing and running the Cape Jervis Tavern since 2013, it breaks my heart to say that we have had to close our doors and place the business into liquidation.
This pub has never just been a job to me. It has been an all-consuming lifestyle, a home away from home, and a huge part of my life and my family’s life. I met Maria through this tavern, and we brought our kids up around this place. So many memories, hard days, good nights, laughs, friendships, and stories have come from within those walls.
Over the years we have battled through a lot — the snapper ban, COVID, the loss of the jetty, the algal bloom, rising costs, and a very tough economy. In the end, it has simply become too much to keep going.
I want to sincerely thank every customer, patron, local, visitor, mate, and regular who has supported us over the years. Whether you came in for a beer, a feed, a chat, a roast night, a band, a room, or just to say g’day — thank you. You helped make the tavern what it was.
To all the staff, past and present, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I know this is devastating for you too, and I’m sorry for the hurt and uncertainty this has caused. You all put so much into the place, and I’ll always be grateful for that.
I would also like to thank the Russo family, the landowners, and apologise that things have ended this way. I truly wish them all the best moving forward.
This has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. Cape Jervis Tavern has been a massive part of my life, and I’ll never forget the people, the stories, the laughs, and the memories made there.
I’ll still be around town, so please don’t be a stranger. If anyone ever needs a chat, you know where to find me.
Thank you all again for the support over the years.
Phill
