Premier Hotel in Albany to open its doors after 6 years
Arson destroyed Albany’s Premier Hotel in 2016, however after a long redevelopment patrons will once again be able to walk through its famous doors.
The 130-year-old hotel was the victim of an arson scam in 2016 that gutted it and sent five men to jail.
New licensees Danae Witherow and Andrew Rodgers will now open the venue to the public this week after a detailed $4 million redevelopment.
The pair has been working on the hotel since taking it over in December 2021.
The Premier Hotel, affectionately known as ‘The Prem’ overlooks York St and is highlighted by two long bars, a dining area and wraparound balcony overlooking the street.
A cocktail and whiskey bar known as Bar 1891 now occupies the second floor.
The pub will open for the June long weekend.
“The Prem is back — she is up and running,” Rodgers said.
“It will have been six months since we took it on.
“We haven’t got all of what we wanted inside but we have got most of it.
“There are other things that we wanted but with COVID we couldn’t do it, but we have a few other things ordered that will arrive and pop up in the weeks to come.
“Bar 1891 is my favourite place and there is a great link to the town and the Around the Houses race with our racing corner.”
The hotel will be open from 11am to late for lunch and dinner.
“We are only looking after it, this girl belongs to the town,” Rodgers said.
“She has been here since the 1800s, so I think they have all missed it.
“We’ve tried to give it a few tweaks and give a bit more of an experience for people when they come.”
Irit Jackson, 31st May 2022
