By Clyde Mooney – editor Australian Hotelier
After complex negotiations Gallagher Hotels has made its third venue purchase in a matter of weeks, taking on the Heritage Bar in The Rocks.
Formerly branded a Belgian Beer Café (BBC) until a few years ago, Patrick Gallagher has announced plans to revive the brand at the site, in the heart of the busy Sydney tourism district.
Gallagher brokered the sale himself after the former owner approached him about the venue.
The Gallagher Hotels boss has since been in negotiation with the owners of the BBC brand, whom he met in Brussels.
Gallagher told TheShout he thinks the BBC concept is a perfect extension for his group, due to its European influence and alignment with the gastro pub concept.
"If all goes well, it will be our intention to breathe life into the Heritage by revitalising the Belgian Beer Cafe brand on this site," he said.
"It's a natural fit with our Irish and French brands, both culturally and geographically."
"I am very excited about this, not just because we now have another city venue and hope to get some economies of scale, but also because I think the new concept adds another pillar to our branding."