By James Atkinson
After almost 30 years of pulling pints, former Carlton FC great, Peter ‘Percy’ Jones has handed over the reins of Melbourne's The Astor Hotel to its new owners, Darran Smith and Ross Hay (pictured L-R).
Smith has been in the hospitality industry for 20 years, working in venues including Icebergs Dining Room and Bar as general manager, Glass Restaurant @ Hilton Sydney, Hemmesphere @ Establishment hotel and Open Door Pub Company looking after The Duke Of Wellington and the Exchange Hotel in Melbourne.
Hay has over 22 years' industry experience including more than seven years through his own hospitality consultancy business. He has worked in management roles internationally with Conran Restaurants and within Australia at the Merivale & Keystone Groups along with Hilton Hotels.
Additional information regarding the transition will be announced in the coming weeks. [continues below]
Outgoing publican, Peter ‘Percy’ Jones commented: "Over my almost 30 years tenure, there’s been countless beers consumed at this long-standing Carlton establishment – and I've thoroughly enjoyed it."
"Today I’ll be handing over the responsibilities as publican of this hotel but will still be a supporter of this iconic institution."
my uncle Ed Delzoppo ran that place before Percy, my dad worked in the bar and I worked in the lounge. lost of memories.
I come to Melbourne each July with a group of ‘good olde boys’ from around Australia, and we generally catch up with Percy Jones for a drink or two at the Astor Hotel in Carlton.
Does anyone know how I can contact Percy now that he has left the Astor Hotel?
Many thanks,
Ian Handberg
MOB: 0418638784