FLOWER HOTELS GROW INTO BEECHWOOD

Prominent publican Alistair Flower and his partners have further added to their portfolio in the Hastings LGA with the purchase of the Beechwood Hotel.

Richard and Kirsty Bloomfield moved to the area in 2013 and almost four years ago purchased the classic country pub, in the hinterland 30-minutes west of Port Macquarie. Prior the couple worked the Post Office Hotel in Gulgong for five years, and Tocumwal’s Farmers Arms Hotel for four years.

The Beechwood Hotel is the focal point of town, providing traditional country hospitality while also incorporating the conveniences expected in a modern pub.

Bar trade is supported by a strong food and beverage base, complemented by a modest holding of four EGMs.

The pub is just 25 minutes from the much-awarded Settlers Inn, flagship of Flower Hotels, and only 10 minutes from its Hastings Hotel, acquired early 2019.

While many operators might question expansion in the current climate, Flower is continuing a diversification strategy based around long-term property holdings, with associated plans to consolidate in the Hastings region’s reputation for quality hotel offerings, and an eye on the ‘sea-change’ migration out of cities.

Pub Brokers & Advisory (PBA) was engaged to make an unsolicited approach on behalf of Flower Hotels. PBA is a new entity touting experience-based advice in property and financial matters, fronted by hotel broker Nick Butler, with colleagues John Murphy and Eric Armstrong.

The deal struck on the Beechwood benefitted from Flowers’ growing presence and dedication to the area.

“While Richard and Kirsty were initially reluctant to sell, they’re pleased to be passing the hotel to a local they know and respect,” says Butler.

“They’ve worked very hard in this hotel, and in their previous pub in Gulgong, so I’m sure they’re ready for a rest. I look forward to seeing where their next chapter begins.”

This purchase represents the sixth in the area in five years for Flowers Hotels. There are no immediate plans to change the pub’s style, and in fact a decision has not been finalised on whether it will be under the group banner.

“We may consider a leaseholder if we find the right one, otherwise we will manage it,” says Flower. “It might be attractive to a local manager looking to take the next step to ownership. It will require a certain operator and we’re looking for a young person we can work with … someone who can really roll up their sleeves.”

One of the Flower Hotels partners also holds further property by the pub, opening the further possibility of accommodation to complement the current offering and capitalise on the village community and local drawcards.

“It’s a good area. I really like it out there,” furthers Flower. 

“It’s near the Hastings river, there’s some great places around there. A lot of people coming to Port holidaying want to go to some local places with a good aspect. In that sort of location there can be coastal but also rural appeal.

“We’re very confident in the area, and see not only the growth of the town but also the growth of local tourism.”