From February, Sydney’s famous The Island Bar will relocate, leaving behind its current location on the iconic Cockatoo Island. Owners Marco Faraone and Mike Edkins decided to make the move after experiencing difficulties with coming to an agreement with Sydney Harbour Federation Trust to renew their lease.

The Island Bar has been home to Cockatoo Island for the past five summers and seen some 350,000 visitors pass through its doors during that time. The Island Bar has established itself as the longest standing pop-up of its kind in Sydney and was recently named one of Lonely Planet’s ‘Top 50 Bars in the World’ for 2015.

Faraone and Edkins say they are sad to say goodbye to the island, but that the new location – to be revealed before next summer – will offer Sydney-siders and visitors with a unique bar experience once again.

The Island Bar is renowned for its award-winning combination of cocktails and authentic wood fired pizzas and guest DJs, all housed in their trademark shipping contains decked with astro turf and European beach-side style furniture.

“When we opened The Island Bar, we were the first to bring the shipping container pop-up concept to Sydney and make it a reality,” says Edkins. “Now, after five years of establishing the bar as one of the must-go destinations in Sydney for great drinks, food and good times right on the harbour, it’s time for something new.”

Ensuring they go out with a bang, Faraone and Edkins will be hosting some of their biggest and best events at The Island Bar on Cockatoo Island over the next few weeks, up until February 29 when they will relocate.