The leasehold of Jacksons on George has returned to Gallagher Hotels, who last stewarded the Sydney CBD pub from 2014-2018.
The leasehold of Jacksons on George, situated at the northern end of Sydney’s CBD has been sold to Gallagher Hotels, who operated the famed pub in its last iteration before it was closed down in 2018, to be rebuilt as part of the Lendlease development of Sydney Place.
The pub reopened in mid-2023, operated by new group DTL Entertainment, headed up by entrepreneurs Steve Bannigan and Paul Ford, as well as publican Michael Broome and creative director Maurice Terzini. The hotel underwent a massive re-fit led by architectural studio Richards Stanisich, with three disparate levels: a ground floor public bar; a first floor hatted restaurant, Bistro George; and a rooftop bar overlooking the CBD.
JLL’s Kate MacDonald and Ben McDonald were exclusively mandated to steer the off-market campaign on behalf of DTL Entertainment (DTLE).
Speaking on the return to the lauded venue Patrick Gallager noted: “We are extremely excited about taking on this new and very exciting venture in such a dynamic location. Our sons Austin and Jack Gallagher will be taking the lead here and we look forward to contributing to what is such a great part of the city.”
Gallagher Hotels group general manager Angela Gallagher said the group was thrilled to return to the venue, and the CBD.
“We have always loved Jacksons on George and when the opportunity arose, we were thrilled. We sold Criterion last year and love being in the CBD so it’s great to be back.”
She told Australian Hotelier that the activity in that part of the CBD was attractive, and would help continue the Jacksons on George legacy.
“The CBD has so many great precincts and we believe Sydney Plaza is a great addition – this part of the CBD is attractive: mix use of new accommodation hotels, residential high-rises and some world class businesses surrounding the designer build of Jacksons on George. It’s a buzzing area, with CBD workers, overseas travellers and local residents.
“Jacksons is an icon that most people have had a night out in over the years – everyone has a Jacksons story from the days of 24-hour trading. Hopefully the younger generation can come and enjoy and have their own stories for years to come.”
Kate MacDonald sang the praises of the venue, which has been a mainstay in Sydney’s nightlife in many iterations for multiple decades.
“The new award-winning Jacksons on George provides the Gallagher team with an almost perfect scorecard of attributes. Its expansive size and prime location in the northern part of Sydney’s CBD presents ongoing opportunities to leverage the immensely popular ‘Sydney Place’ development by Lend Lease, as well as the constant influx of tourists arriving on almost daily cruise ships,” stated MacDonald.
“We’re delighted to see Patrick, Angela and family return to the site, and very much look forward to seeing them succeed in arguably one of Sydney’s most exciting venues.”
DTLE director Michael Broome congratulated the Gallagher family on their return to the venue.
“The pub couldn’t go to a better person. Pat will make that thing hum even more than it is. We’re extremely happy with the result and couldn’t be more appreciative of the work Kate and Ben at JLL Hotels delivered. It certainly made the sale process a lot easier for us as a group.”
The next generation
Patrick and Angela Gallagher’s sons Austin and Jack will take the lead on operating Jacksons on George, which Angela said fills her with pride.
“It’s so wonderful to have three children in the business now. The boys have brought a new level of enthusiasm and passion for the industry. They love it! Our daughter is now also involved in Hunters Hill Hotel and is learning the ropes. It’s exciting and we are proud of them.
“Although I must admit it’s sometimes difficult being a boss and a mother at the same time. I’ve got to be careful not to pick on things I’m not happy about domestically! It’s very satisfying to work with them and bounce ideas off each other. It can be very entertaining across the dinner table!”
Gallagher Hotels will be giving the venue a “glow up” in the coming months, but for now will run the venue as is.
“It’s a truly wonderful venue. With three levels of entertainment, we plan on trading late Thursday to Saturday to continue the activation and live entertainment in the CBD.”
Jacksons on George is the sixth CBD transaction for JLL Hotels within12 months, closely following the Republic Hotel, Edinburgh Castle Hotel, and Hotel Coronation among others.
Ben McDonald noted: “With renewed confidence in the legislative environment, an easing interest rate environment and heightened capital demand in the sector we anticipate an uptick in deal volumes through 2025 as owners take advantage of changing market conditions.”
This morning, the Sydney Morning Herald revealed that Terzini had stepped down from his director role at Icebergs Group following allegations made that he protected his son Sylvester Terzini following multiple sexual assault claims.
Australian Hotelier has reached out to Icebergs Group and DTL Entertainment for comment, but did not hear back by time of publication. We will continue to follow this story.