A Rare Australian Treasure Stolen and Recovered
A rare and valuable cookbook, known for its iconic status in Australian households, was recently stolen from a famous New York pub owned by comedian Andy Lee. The book, which has now been safely returned, is a cherished item that many Australians would instantly recognize.
The Old Mates pub, co-owned by some of Australia’s most well-known figures including Hugh Jackman, Pat Cummins, Ash Barty, and Hamish Blake, shared the news on social media. The incident occurred during a busy night at the establishment, where a guest allegedly took the book off the wall and hid it under their clothing.
The Value of the Book
Andy Lee revealed on The Smallzy Show that the cookbook was not just any ordinary book, but an original from the past. It had been displayed proudly in the pub, and its theft caused significant concern among the staff.
“We had it pride of place, it got stolen,” Lee explained. “Days went by, and we were starting to worry we might never see it again.”
To encourage its return, the pub offered a reward, with Lee joking about the potential consequences of his actions. He mentioned that he had proposed a deal: if the book was returned, the entire pub would be treated to $8 schooners for the rest of May. However, he later admitted this might have been a “stupid idea.”
The Aftermath and Public Reaction
After the book was returned, Lee realized that his offer could lead to more thefts. “Because now people are just going to come and steal things to get $8 schooners,” he said. “We should have gone the opposite. The price should have gone higher the longer it would have come back.”
The pub shared security footage on social media, showing the moment the book was taken. The image captured a customer pinching the book off the wall and hiding it under their jumper. The pub described the item as a pre-opening gift that held sentimental value.
“We’re not after drama. So we’re calling on the internet to do its thing,” the post continued. “REWARD OFFERED. Return the book. No questions asked. Even anonymously.”
Public Response and Community Involvement
The story quickly gained attention online, with fans and followers expressing their shock and disappointment. One person wrote, “This is beyond unhinged! 😢,” while another commented, “My mum has that book – it is iconic and needs to be returned – it is just priceless ❤️.”
Some suggested creative ways to encourage the thief to return the book. One person suggested, “Put their photo in the now empty frame until they do the right thing and bring the book back!!!” Another added a humorous twist, writing, “May they use salt instead of sugar when baking from this book 😂.”
Celebrating the Return
Now that the book has been returned, the pub can finally celebrate its safe recovery. Andy Lee is set to return for a new season of The Hundred, which premieres tonight at 7:30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
The incident highlights the importance of community involvement and the power of social media in solving such cases. It also serves as a reminder of how deeply valued certain items can be, especially when they hold a piece of cultural history.
