The Australian bar scene is mourning the loss of Leeroy Petersen, who passed away this week. I first saw him as a rock and roll flair bartender throwing bottles at a BarShow at Wharf 8 back in the early to mid 2000s; as a young bartender then myself, the world flair bartending champ was pretty damn cool. I went back to my bar at the time and tried to do what he did; all I did was smash the glass on some bar fridge doors. Leeroy was phenomenal to watch.
I had the pleasure to share drinks with Leeroy on a few occasions, and talked to him for a story when he bought Durty Nelly’s (which would go on to become The Village Inn) in Paddington back in 2013. I didn’t know Leeroy as well as others did, but you didn’t have to spend much time with him to know he was a big hearted man, whose enthusiasm and kindness was genuine. I laughed a lot in Leeroy’s company, and many, many others did too.
Leeroy and his wife, Sophia, are the owners of Caribou in Kingston, in the ACT, a Canadian bar big on ice hockey, just like he was. And Leeroy wasn’t just a big personality in our bar world, but in the Australian ice hockey community too, as a sponsor (and fan) of the Canberra Brave.
On social media platforms today former colleagues, staff, and long time friends are sharing their memories and their tributes. You know there will be many.
We’ve lost a big light in our world, but the bars up above have just become a little brighter. As we go into the weekend, our thoughts are with Sophia, their kids, and their family.
Farewell, Leeroy.
