Universal Hotels has sold the leasehold of Sydney’s Bat & Ball Hotel to a collective of hospitality operators that run a number of inner city venues.
JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group handled the leasing agreement, and Kate MacDonald congratulated both parties.
“JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group is pleased to have successfully assisted Universal Hotels, a long-term client, in securing an exciting new tenant for the Bat & Ball Hotel, Redfern,” she said.
The new tenants, known as the Bat and Ball Collective, are Rachael Paul, previous venue manager of The Golden Gully and the Sunshine Inn; Cameron Votano, co-owner and executive chef of BTB Kirribilli and Lowkey North Sydney; Zac Godbolt, creative director and co-founder of natural wine company Doom Juice and Enmore Country Club; and Daniel McBride and Dynn Szmulewicz, owners of Enmore Country Club, The Little Guy, and The Sunshine Inn.
The collective has had a long-term goal to find a pub together, and were drawn to the history and vintage bones of the Bat & Ball. It is currently closed for renovations, with a revitalisation planned for the ground floor and first floor accommodation rooms. The team hope that the pub will be a cornerstone for the Redfern community with a mix of pub classics and elevated offerings.
“We’ve all worked together a whole bunch over the years, on venues, pop ups and events so we will lean heavily on that shared experience of hospitality between the five of us. It also helps that we are all great mates and love a beer together,” Paul said.
The venue is expected to reopen in mid-July to August.
“It’s going to be electric. The process has already been extremely fun. Lots of hard work but we can’t wait for that first beer when the doors open,” Godbolt said.
Harris Kospetas, CEO Universal Hotels, is excited to see the team take over the Bat & Ball.
“We’re delighted to partner with Dynn, Dan and their team. We’ve been fans of their venues for some time and are excited to watch them add their mark to the pub. Big thanks to Kate and the team at JLL for identifying an ideal operating partner for the B&B, which now allows us the time to focus on our portfolio’s larger venues and upcoming renovation plans.”