Abercrombie Hotel sold: Iconic Sydney pub set for revamp
The Abercrombie Hotel on Sydney’s Broadway has been sold to a group headed by Australian chef Matt Moran and hotelier Bruce Solomon which plans to restore the iconic pub.
The 78-year-old Chippendale building formerly known as the Australian Hotel was once host to a “motley crew” of Fairfax journalists and Carlton United Brewery staff before closing in 2014.
The Solotel Group – which will operate as a merger of Moran’s MorSol and Solomon’s Solotel in the new financial year in a move announced yesterday – has purchased the site from Frasers Property Australia and Seksui House Australia, the joint venture partners behind the Central Park development.
The sale includes the hotel and three heritage terrace houses.
The iconic Abercrombie Hotel in Broadway, Sydney, in 2009. Photo: Wolter Peeters
The hotel, built in 1938 and one of four originally included in the old Carlton United Brewery site, has been out of operation for two years but Solotel has announced big plans for the building, which is expected to reopen in 2018.
“Bruce Solomon and I have picked up the freehold at the Australian Hotel. It’s the first pub we’ve bought together,” Moran confirmed to Fairfax Media.
Solotel Group managing director Mr Solomon said the company planned to restore the pub to its original state.
“Our refurbishment of the Australian Hotel will see the pub restored to its original art deco glory including its rear courtyard beer garden,” Mr Solomon said.
The three terrace houses are set to be converted into a European-style wine bar.
Mr Solomon was keen to emphasise the cultural importance of the site to the Broadway area.
“The Australian Hotel was once one of the most important local watering holes in the southern end of the Sydney CBD. It saw a motley crew of Fairfax journalists, Carlton United Brewery staff and local rag-trade workers pass through its doors during the 40s, 50s and 60s,” he said.
“Solotel will deliver a contemporary expression within the original heritage character of the pub reminiscent of this bygone era whilst ensuring its seamless integration into the broader Central Park precinct.”
Inside The Old Clare Hotel. Photo: The Old Clare Hotel
Once reopened, the venue will operate alongside other establishments at the old CUB site, such as The Old Clare Hotel.
“Our vision now is Bruce and I do everything 50-50,” Moran said of his new partnership with Solomon.
Central Park project director Mick Caddey said Solotel would add to the group of owners, operators and partners ensuring the long-term excellence of the Central Park precinct.
“As a successful operator of 26 diverse hospitality businesses, we are confident Solotel will deliver an outstanding refurbishment of what was one of Sydney city’s most significant and well-loved heritage pubs,” Mr Caddey said.
