A Rare Australian Treasure Stolen and Recovered
A rare and valuable cookbook, known for its iconic status in Australia, has been returned to the Old Mates pub in New York after being stolen last week. The book, which holds sentimental value for many Australians, was taken from the walls of the famous establishment, sparking a public plea for its return.
The Old Mates pub, owned by comedian Andy Lee and partially 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 pub posted an Instagram statement that read: “Our beloved Australian Women’s Weekly Birthday Cake Book has been stolen off the wall… and yes, we’ve got the footage.”
To encourage the return of the book, the pub offered a reward. As part of the effort, Lee announced a special deal: if the book was returned safely, the entire pub would be treated to $8 schooners for the rest of May. This gesture quickly gained attention and support from the public.
A Unique and Valuable Cookbook
Lee made it clear that the cookbook was not just any book but an original from the past. He described it as something that had been displayed with pride at the pub. “Days went by, it was getting worrying that we may never see it again,” he said during an appearance on The Smallzy Show. “So, we said $8 schooners for the rest of May if it gets safely returned.”
When the book was eventually returned, Lee admitted he might have made a mistake. “Because now people are just going to come and steal things to get $8 schooners,” he joked. “We should have gone the opposite. The price should have gone higher the longer it would have come back. So anyway, we’ve opened ourselves up there,” he laughed.
Security footage from the pub’s social media showed the moment a patron took the book and hid it under their jumper. The pub had initially described the book as a pre-opening gift that meant a lot to them. “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 Reaction and Support
The story quickly captured the attention of the public, with many expressing concern over the theft. One follower commented, “This is beyond unhinged! 😢,” while another wrote, “My mum has that book – it is iconic and needs to be returned – it is just priceless ❤️.” A third suggested, “Put their photo in the now empty frame until they do the right thing and bring the book back!!!” and a fourth added a humorous twist, “May they use salt instead of sugar when baking from this book 😂.”
Despite the initial panic, the pub was able to celebrate the book’s return. Lee, who is also the host of The Hundred, is set to return for a new season, premiering tonight at 7:30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
A Lesson in Public Engagement
The incident highlights how public engagement can play a crucial role in solving crimes, even in unexpected ways. The pub’s decision to offer a reward and involve the community led to the swift recovery of the book. While the situation started with a theft, it ended with a positive outcome and a lesson in the power of social media and public support.
As the story shows, sometimes the best way to solve a problem is through collective action and a little bit of humor. The Old Mates pub and its owners have demonstrated that even in the face of adversity, a community can come together to make a difference.
