Former licensee buys back his Perth pub

The Paddington Ale House in Perth has been purchased by a legend of the West Australian Football League, who previously owned the venue for more than two decades. 

Neil Randall, the pub’s former licensee of 26 years, rose above a field of national bidders to take the lease for another 20 years.

Excited about the new chapter, Randall told TheShout he is already planning some tweaks to operations in coming months. 

“Initially they’ll be just cosmetic changes, including enlarging the kitchen to allow a far bigger output; food is definitely the way of the future,” he said.  

“The next stage will redevelop upstairs into a function and conference room, with an outdoor bar.”

Selling agent JLL Hotels & Hospitality reported major interest in the lease of ‘The Paddo’, given Perth’s standing as the capital city with the fewest hotels per capita and largely under-serviced surrounding precincts. 

“The Paddington Ale House opportunity was vigorously pursued by astute local and national operators and hospitality brands,” JLL’s national director, pub investment sales John Musca told TheShout. 

Randall previously played for and was at one stage president of Perth’s Subiaco Lions. He is currently commissioner of the West Australian Football Commission and president of the West Australian branch of the Australian Hotels Association. 

The Paddo is an iconic award-winning venue in Perth’s Northern suburbs, and holder of trophies such as the Australian Hotels Association’s Best Sports Bar for 2011 and 2012.

Source:  The Shout - 24 March 2014