Ward Matthews, a principal of one of South Australia’s most prominent and highly respected pub groups, has passed away suddenly.
Remembered as a “kind and lovely” man, Matthews Hospitality Group confirmed his unexpected death this month, asking for privacy at this time.
“We are shocked and devastated at the sudden passing of our brother and director, Ward Matthews,” said a statement.
A leading force in South Australian pubs, the family-owned Matthews Hospitality is one of the state’s largest groups, holding ten pubs in Adelaide and surrounds and employing around 400 people.
Patriarch Seymour Matthews and wife Doris began the operation 80 years ago, first buying Whyalla’s Hotel Bay View during World War II, in 1942.
The family went on to operate up to 27 hotels by the 1960s and become attributed with offering several firsts in Australian pubs, such as counter meals and a drive-through bottleshop at the Largs Pier Hotel, and a smorgasbord at the Buckingham Arms.
The Group has been wholly-owned by third generation siblings Lisa, Scott and the late Ward Matthews, who have continued to change the collection with the times.
Mid-2021 the Group bought ALH’s Salisbury Hotel as part of more than $13 million invested into its communities, also heralding extensive plans and complete internal refurbishment of its Maylands Hotel and Mount Gambier Hotel.
Earlier this year they acquired the historic Sussex Hotel from Piers Schmidt.
Cousin Brett Matthews has in recent times partnered with SA hotel forces Martin Palmer Ed Peter in Duxton Pubs Group, which has come to own Adelaide icons such as the Lion Hotel and Cremorne Hotel at Unley.
Australian Hotels Association SA GM Ian Horne says Matthews’ absence will be felt.
“Ward was a much-valued member of the South Australian hotel community and an integral part of the highly successful Matthews Hospitality Group, a multi-generational South Australian family company.
“His participation in and contribution to the hotel industry will be greatly missed. Our condolences go to the extended Matthews family.”
