Patrons of the popular Phoenix pub in Canberra's city centre have been left scratching their heads after it was unexpectedly "shut until further notice".
On Wednesday night, pub regulars spotted a notice taped to the window of the bar at 27-29 East Row, informing them that it would be closed for the forseeable future.
"Due to unforseen circumstances the pub is shut until further notice," the note read.
"Hang in there, see you on the other side."
Taped to the "old" entrance of the premises at 23-25 East Row was a letter from the LJ Hooker real estate company, which said the lease for that site had been terminated and the locks had been changed.
Property manager Stephen Royds said the lease had been terminated at 23-25 East Row because the venue was not compliant with fire regulations.
"The owner of 23-25 East Row has terminated the lease due to works conducted by the tenant causing the building to be non-compliant with the current fire regulations," he said in a statement.
"The tenant has been aware for some that that his actions would result in the non-compliance.
"LJ Hooker does not manage 27-29 East Row [where the bar currently operates] and is hence not responsible for the closure of the bar."
The bar, located in the iconic Sydney building, is a popular venue for live music, poetry and karaoke.
It was damaged by a fire in 2014 that devastated much of the Sydney building.
Locals voiced their disappointment at the closure on the Phoenix bar's Facebook page.
"This is a travesty," one patron wrote.
"Surely this isn't for good," added another.
Fairfax Media has approached the bar's owners for comment.
More to come.