By Triana O'Keefe – editor, Australian Hotelier
Sydney publican Tim Condon has revealed plans for a possible two further inner west venues after selling the Newington Inn Hotel to Solotel.
In a move to release capital, Condon finalised the deal with Solotel this week and has since acquired one pub, with sights on a second.
Condon, the proprietor of successful gastro and craft beer pub East Village Balmain, told TheShout he has big plans for the new asset, the Roxbury in Glebe, comprising “rock and roll, beer and food”.
“We are planning for the venue to have a craft beer focus on the ground floor while maintaining a strong link to its live music history upstairs,” he said.
“I want something a bit more edgy than the family friendly East Village.”
Condon and his chef-sister Liz, along with the Newington’s licensee and manager will be launching the new-look venue in March, after a few weeks of refurbishment.
Solotel chief operating officer Justine Baker this month confirmed the Newington acquisition, which took Petersham locals by surprise, coming just 12 months after Condon purchased the pub.
“Please tell me they will keep the great food and beer options going?!” commented one regular on Facebook.
Solotel’s Baker was unavailable for further comment. However, she recently told Australian Hotelier magazine that with each new venue the group acquires, it is careful to understand the needs of locals.
“From polished Sydney and Brisbane CBD venues right through to the urban-cool inner-west pubs such as Bank Hotel and The Erko, Solotel demonstrates an ability to tailor each venue to suit their local market, which drives their ongoing success,” she said.
“Understanding local communities is critical and our venues are designed to be inviting, safe and fun.”