Australian Pub in NYC Defies Blizzard, Stays Open Amid State of Emergency
While much of New York City grinds to a halt under a severe winter storm, Old Mates Pub is embracing a quintessential Australian approach to crisis management: staying open and serving up hospitality. Amid blizzard conditions and a declared state of emergency, this Australian-owned venue on the East River in Manhattan is keeping the beers cold and the parmies hot, proving that some traditions transcend continents.
Business as Usual in the Face of a Decade's Worst Storm
New York is currently grappling with its most intense winter storm in over ten years, leading to widespread travel bans, cancelled Broadway shows, and thousands of grounded flights. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has enforced a ban on non-emergency travel across all streets, shutting down schools and declaring what he termed the first old-school snow day since 2019. However, inside Old Mates Pub, it is steadfastly business as usual, with head chef Simon Drolz-Cox describing the surreal scene as far from a deterrent for resilient New Yorkers.
Simon Drolz-Cox told Sunrise on Tuesday that the storm has dumped approximately 10 to 13 inches (25cm to 33cm) of snow, creating challenging conditions for those navigating unploughed streets. If you're unfortunate enough to be walking down the street that hasn't been ploughed yet it's a bit of a slug, but it's not going to stop New York, he remarked, highlighting the city's indomitable spirit.
Crowds Flock Despite Closures and Warnings
Despite the closures and official warnings, the pub, located in the lower Manhattan financial district, continues to attract crowds. It even has a shipment of beer en route from Australia to keep supplies flowing. Drolz-Cox, an Australian expat who has lived in New York for about a year, emphasized that nothing can deter a New Yorker from a night out. We've had nights that are below zero and there's a line down the block. We've got security going down the line handing out hand warmers, he shared, illustrating the venue's commitment to customer comfort.
The pub operates with a team split equally between Australians and Americans, and its massive windows offer sweeping views of the snow-blanketed cityscape. There's no better place in New York right now to sit and watch the snow build up, Drolz-Cox added, positioning the pub as a cozy haven amid the chaos.
Regional Emergency and Broader Impacts
Outside, officials across New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts have declared states of emergency as strong wind gusts threaten whiteout conditions, damaged trees, and prolonged power outages. The National Weather Service has warned that 30cm to 60cm of snow could accumulate in parts of the region, with heavy winds potentially reducing visibility to 400 meters or less. Meteorologists have labeled this a major winter storm with major impact, noting it might meet the criteria for a bomb cyclone due to its intensity.
The storm's ripple effects are widespread: over 3500 flights have been cancelled across the United States, delivery services like DoorDash have suspended operations overnight, and landmarks such as Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC, have closed their gates. Yet, inside Old Mates Pub, the Australian spirit remains intact, offering a beacon of normalcy for those who can safely make their way there.
In summary, as New York battles a historic blizzard, Old Mates Pub stands as a testament to resilience and community, blending Australian pub culture with New York's gritty determination to keep going, no matter the weather.
