Gilmore's Hotel sells to Irish publican

Experienced publican Jaz Mooney has paid $5.9 million to add Gilmore’s Hotel at Coniston to his stable of hotels.
Mr Mooney is originally from Northern Ireland, where he owned and ran several hotels during The Troubles.

He moved to Australia six years ago and runs 10 hotels and owns four including Gilmore’s, which has been in receivership since February.

‘‘We’re looking to add to the Gilmore family’s good work ... for me it’s a big, lovely suburban boozer that just needs to be finished off,’’ he said yesterday.

‘‘I’m not a corporate giant ... I’m just a guy who understands pubs and how to make them an attractive destination and the centre of the community.’’

He assured all existing staff would be maintained. The price, down from between $6-6.5 million, reflects the sluggish market, according to agent Sam Hardy from Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels.

Mr Hardy said there was keen interest in the sale from both Sydney and the Illawarra.

‘‘It’s was a well-run hotel by the same family for 30 years, and the only reason they sold was because they had over-capitalised with renovations,’’ Mr Hardy said.

The family recently spent $6 million, with an estimated $1 million still to be spent on the garden area and upstairs accommodation.

It’s understood Mr Mooney will capitalise on the potential to increase gaming at the hotel.

‘‘They have 28 gaming machines at the moment and the law allows for another two,’’ Mr Hardy said.

‘‘It’s likely he will change the configuration to allow for more machines in the smoking area outside.’’

Settlement is expected mid-June so the property is still in the hands of receivers who appointed Pat Cullen as temporary licensee.

‘‘From my understanding Jaz is an old-fashioned Irish publican, so there’s sure to be strong emphasis on traditional pub values of food and service,’’ he said.

The clientele, who had largely remained loyal throughout receivership, had welcomed the news of the sale.

‘‘Rumours abound at times like this so it was good to have some certainty for customers and staff,’’ Mr Cullen said.

‘‘I’ve met Jaz once during an inspection about a month ago and he came across as a personable Irishman who was completely at home in the hotel.’’

Source: The Illawarra Mercury, 8 May 2012