The Lawson Park Hotel in Mudgee has been sold following a highly competitive expression of interest campaign – attracting strong local and interstate interest after the leasehold and freehold interests of the pub were re-stapled and offered to market.
The landmark pub, established in 1860, was acquired by experienced hotelier Ash Lyons from Lion Majestic Hospitality Group, who has owned the Oxford Hotel in Bathurst for more than 20 years and led the pub through an extensive refurbishment that cemented its position as one of the Central West’s leading dining and entertainment venues.
Occupying a 1,830 sqm two-storey corner site in the centre of Mudgee, the Lawson Park Hotel offers multiple revenue streams and operates with a late 3 am licence Monday to Saturday. The venue comprises a public bar, the renowned Red Heifer Bistro, a gaming lounge with 15 gaming machine entitlements, lounge and alfresco areas, and a beer garden. The hotel also benefits from an approved development application to restore the heritage wraparound veranda and create new access to the upper level.
Since 2016, the Lawson Park Hotel has been by owned by a private investor, after Lantern Hotels placed the pub on the market alongside the Exchange Hotel in Hamilton, the Courthouse Hotel in Cairns, the Bowral Hotel and the Central Hotel in Bundaberg in a push to divest the portfolio of it’s none-core assets.
Lyons says he is “excited for the next chapter of the Lawson Park Hotel, which has historically been a great hotel in a picturesque town”, adding that “the future of the hotel is about respect; respecting the town, the community, and the beautiful heritage nature of the building”.
The sale, which was handled by MQ & Associates, also included the adjoining residence at 33 Short Street. The house provides an additional 973 sqm of land, creating a combined holding of over 2,800 sqm. The adjoining Regent Theatre at 5 Church Street – one of Mudgee’s most significant heritage assets – was sold separately to a local resident.
Leonard Bongiovanni, Director of MQ & Associates, said: “The sale of the Lawson Park Hotel and adjoining properties marks a significant result for Mudgee’s hospitality and cultural landscape. We’re delighted to see both assets acquired by experienced operators with a genuine passion for the town and its heritage. The level of enquiry and competitive bidding highlights the strength of the regional hotel market and continued investor confidence in the sector.”